The Ocean Speaks

A Visit From a Woodpecker

I often watch the birds during the day as they get busy with their flapping around and doing whatever it is they need to do, but today, I saw something I have never seen before. A woodpecker perched itself on my clothesline. Now, I have seen woodpeckers before, but never perched on a clothesline. It wasn't hard to tell he wasn't used to it because he had great difficulty keeping his balance. He stayed for about 5 minutes and had a good look around while I stood just a few feet away and watched. It was wonderful to see one so close up and to see one standing still for such a long time.

Anyway, believe it or not, that was my excitement for today and it was really kind of exciting. We see a lot of wild creature where I live including many deer, fox, squirrels, whales, porpoise and the believe it or not the odd owl, but this was something new and different. Nature is a wonderful thing.

It's Crazy Isn't It?

Jay Jay

Rain, Rain I Love You

It's another one of those gray, rainy days where the air is heavy and warm and all things are very still, except for the water drops falling from the sky. I love these days. Things have been getting pretty dry and the forest fire index is very high, so thank you Mother Nature for taking care of yourself. I'm not sure how she does it, but she manages.

Anyway I enjoy a good thunder and lightning storm now and again, it makes you feel alive and puts you in awe of just what Mother Nature can do when she puts her mind to it. Tomorrow, the plants will be greener, the air fresher and the grass will need mowing. The earth, like the people in it, is in need of a shower now and then and she just had a good one. Enjoy the day.

It's Crazy Isn't It?

Jay Jay

They'll Always Be Your Baby

It's funny, my 20 year old daughter often reminds me she doesn't need my help, advice, input, etc, as you see she is 20, of which I am constantly reminded. Well this week she got sick, a nasty virus, high fever, vomiting, fever blisters, the whole nine yards. Suddenly, this very independent, strong, vital woman needed her mommy, big time. I feel kind of guilty saying this, but, it felt good, she still needs me and we all want to feel needed. I took her to the doctor and kept watch on her fever, wiped her forehead with cold compresses and made sure she kept hydrated and I did not mind one bit.

Don't get me wrong, I know she's becoming an adult and the day will come when she can take care of herself, probably sooner than later, but it felt good to be the mommy again, which I haven't experienced for quite some time. I feel the apron strings letting go and I know I am trying my best to let them go as needed, but they will always be my babies no matter how old they are.

It's Crazy Isn't It?

Jay Jay

I'm Coming Around

Yesterday, as you may have read, was just one of those days where I just felt totally disconnected. So, I did what I said I was going to do. I put on the mP3 player and went for a long walk. There is something very spiritual about going on a walk by yourself with some of your favorite music playing in only your ears. It makes you feel like you are really alone, not lonely, but alone and when you are truly alone I find you can do some of your best thinking. I managed to sort some things out and come to some conclusions, not earth shattering conclusions, but things that are important to me. I guess you could say I put some things in perspective, which is always a good place to put things. Anyway, it did the trick, today I am feeling much better. I think I have my feet squarely planted on terra firma and I'm ready to take on the rest of my life, or at least today anyway.

I'm not sure what happens on those days, if it's just hormonal, or environment or what, but that disconnected feeling is sure an odd place to be. I think this time it maybe did me some good and maybe that's what it's all about, nature's way of getting people to put their life in perspective. Anyway, I'm feeling good today, positive even and I'm looking forward to a great one.

It's Crazy Isn't It?

JayJay

It's just one of those days where you just feel very disconnected from everyone and everything. I'm not sure why it happens, but it does. So, I have decided to keep to myself today, for the most part. I'm going to plug in my mP3 player, go for a long walk and try to figure out what's going on, or not going on. As Colin Hay says in his song "I'm Waiting for My Real Life to Begin".

It's Crazy Isn't It?

JayJay

The 4th of July

So today is a big day in the States, July 4th. There'll be flag flying, congested freeways with travelers trying to reach destinations other than home, picnics, parades, fireworks, fairs and lots of singing of America the Beautiful, God Bless America and of course the Star Spangled Banner. The whole country will shut down and spend millions of dollars celebrating "Independence Day". Our neighbors to the south sure know how to do it up, which is great, I'm happy for them and I hope they all have a great day.

The thing that irritates me about July 4th is not the Americans, but some of our fellow Canadians. In the last few days, I've heard people lament that Canada Day is not nearly as showy or brilliant as July 4th. Well, I don't think it needs to be as grand as all that. Canadians are known worldwide for being the gentler nation, more conservative and subdued and I think we should take great pride in that fact. So we don't have as many parades or fireworks and our highways are not as congested with travelers thinking they need to go somewhere for this holiday. We have a wonderful celebration on Parliament Hill, communities small and large orchestrate their own parties and many families use the day to get together and celebrate and it seems most people really enjoy the day.

I'm proud of my nation and the way it celebrates and I think we should all feel the same. Don't get me wrong, I think what the Americans do is right for America, but we are not America. Remember the old saying sometimes less is more.

Crazy Isn't It? Jay Jay

The Sunny Days of Summer

So we wait all winter for the summer to arrive and when it does, we're still not happy. People will complain about the heat and the humidity and the road construction and the tourists and the price of gas and oil (even though it isn't heating season). Well people it could be worse. You could live in a communist country with no rights or privileges. There could be no tourists and therefore no revenue generated for most of our small businesses. There could be no road construction and then our cars would be beat to a snot all year long driving on pot hole ridden streets. There could be no heat or humidity and, well then it would just be winter. So don't worry, be happy, at least for 3 months of the year.

It's Crazy Isn't It? Jay Jay