Dated Tuesday, April 15, 2025  

I think that I just need this to be "on my record" as time passes. 

I am so - distraught - with the news from the U.S. I have been predicting for a long time that there would be no election in the States in 2026. People don't listen. 

 "What's happening in the U.S. doesn't affect us, so just get over it!" That sort of comment. 

 I have to disagree because what's happening right now is the start of the concentration camps - they are just not quite in the U.S. Instead, El Salvador is the perfect place. 

 And what happened to the rule of law? There is no rule of law that applies any more in the States. 

 Yesterday, someone mentioned (maybe on Rachel Maddow's show) that the States can file Kidnapping charges against Trump. No rule of law exists that he will follow - and he's not alone. Their country is lost. 

 And it's getting more dangerous every moment. 

 All of the protests are fine. It shows how unpopular Trump is - but to what end? I don't see any action being taken that will be effective against these mobsters and against this mob boss. 

 Everything he is doing now is "obviously illegal." But doesn't that mean there can be consequences - legal consequences (and that means following the rule of law). When he doesn't respect the law - when no one in his hand-picked evil administration cares about the law - the country is lost. 

 The U.S. is now a threat to the rest of the world and, unfortunately, Canada is sitting right beside the States. I believe that a lot of evil can take place between now and 2026 to remove any chance of an election possible in 2026. The country is lost.

And a postscript - 

I feel like I just want to cry. Life is passing by. Nothing is as it has been and how it should be. 

This situation been 10 years in the making - much longer than that, as I realize - but the evil has not subsided. Instead, the evil has grown over time. 

Reading from Harvard, "No government should dictate..." Yes, they are now on record as well - but to what end?  ...to what end?

February 10, 2025 - An Eco-Minute - Plastics

 

Climate Change -  Reducing the use of plastics

The topic today is the pressing issue that impacts the climate, our environment, and our communities: reducing the use of plastics. 

I always thought that reducing plastics would help somewhat in our local communities or my little corner of the world, but there’s far more to it than that. Single-use plastics, like bags, bottles, and packaging, are designed for convenience but leave a lasting legacy of pollution – we all know that. They take centuries to degrade and harm wildlife.  

But what I learned only recently was the significant contribution plastics make to greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle. 

Reducing plastic use is crucial because plastics are made from fossil fuels, and their production releases significant greenhouse gases --  approximately 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions -- significantly contributing to climate change and global warming.

Additionally, plastic waste makes up about 80% of all marine debris, damaging ecosystems and limiting the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon, which exacerbates global warming.

Reducing plastic use is both a personal responsibility and a community effort. So there are some things we can do:

Personal Accountability

1. Carry reusable bags, bottles, and utensils—ditch single-use items for durable alternatives.

2. Choose products with minimal or plastic-free packaging—support businesses that prioritize sustainability.

3. Refuse plastic straws and utensils when dining out and encourage others to do the same.

4. Repurpose and reuse plastic items that you already have to extend their life and reduce waste.

Community-Focused Actions

1. Organize community clean-ups to remove plastic waste from local parks, beaches, and streets.

2. Work with local businesses to reduce plastic packaging and encourage reusable alternatives.

3. Promote education campaigns in schools, clubs, and neighborhoods about the impact of plastic pollution and how to minimize it.

4. Advocate for local policies that ban or limit single-use plastics, such as plastic bags or straws.

By taking responsibility for our personal habits and engaging our communities in solutions, we can drastically reduce plastic waste and its harmful effects. 

We can all lead by example, showing that even small, consistent actions can drive significant change. Together, we can create a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Monday, February 10, 2025.

So it's a Monday, and I want to write.  There's a lot on my mind, but exactly what might be appropriate to write is another question.  

The sun is shining and there is a white layer of snow lying on the ground.  It hasn't snowed in a couple of day - or was it just yesterday that I shovelled the driveway and cleaned the car?  I think so - but even then, it had been a few days since there'd been any snow.  

Trouble is that it has been so very cold - or at least considerably below freezing - that the snow has not disappeared and the sidewalks still are quite covered with ice.  Even if the temperature rises above freezing, the ice melts, becomes liquid for a few hours, until the overnight freezing again. 

So, I have not been out on my morning walks for over a month!  I am having to change my routines.

I am sitting here watching the television beside me - or at least, it is on and I can see the headlines if I look at the screen.  

I hate Trump.  And I believe he will continue to be the worst human being - though his sycophants are a very close second to him - and I am fearful of what the world will look like in a month, let alone four more years.  He has been in office not even three full weeks yet!

The Americans voted for him - a president impeached twice - and (his Republican friends had a chance to get rid of him, but they did not), a convicted felow, and convicted rapist, and a degenerate human being!  I don't want to dwell on this, but it's on my mind all the time.  Those voters must be ignorant.

Outside my window there is a fence - a very nice wooden fence. In the better weather, it will be decorated happily.  All the decorations are put away for the winter.

Right now all day long, I can watch the squirrels running back and forth along the top of the fence - back and forth - chasing each other.  At least they are outside getting some exercise!

I like my little neighbourhood as well. We've been here since 2018 and we know several of the neighbours, and it's a very nice neighbourhood.  

I like the Rotary clubs here - there are three of them - but there are two "passport" clubs that meet online.  I am part of one passport club.  Rotary is a force for good in the world, and I think that Rotary makes its members better people.  They think outside of themselves and try to make their communities and the world a better and safer place for everyone.  That is a HUGE task, however.  It's February and the focus in Rotary is on Peace.  

I was sent a link of a trailer for "A Complete Unknown," the story of Bob Dylan.  I would like to see it, and I will wait until it is available online.  In the meantime, here's a trailer.

And that's about all I can write at the moment.  It's just a matter of choosing what's appropriate.

Sunshine and happiness from ladykitt!

A reunion 40 years in the making...

Visited Sint Maarten yesterday and reunited with my first cousin, Pat, for the first time in well over 40 years!  Fantastic time with Pat and Mike and Ralph and me.

We were drinking Campari!  

Checking out the Dutch coffee...

Susan from Huntsville! Love her!

Susan is from Huntsville!

I must congratulate Susan!  They no longer want to see her at the hospital!  

She was the one diagnosed with the terminal cancer in 2005 or so, given 1 ½ years to live.  Susan is my hero!  Changed her diet and her life!  And she is a survivor!

I am so happy to have Susan as a friend!

**********

This evening we are going to the Valley Bistro for dinner.  

 We can see their new menu and just sample their hospitality, and then we can bring a lot of Canadians for lunches, breakfasts, and dinners.  

Something for everyone!

Life's twists and turns

Here's a photo of me from 2011.  And I guess I would like to feel like that again.  :)

A lot has happened in the past few years.  Sabrina has a growing family - November 2014.

Another little "T"

Welcome another little T - this time.

True Ruby Kelen Marut was born October 22, 2014 at roughly 4:00 a.m.  A lovely little sister for her big brother Tennyson who is now 3 1/2 years old.

A lovely family now, including the dog, Lucy!

This is My Country - Canada.... .

Gorgeous morning sky in Parry Sound

Answering Machine Messages

Answering Machine Messages
________________________________________
1. My wife and I can't come to the phone right now, but if you'll leave your name and number, we'll get back to you as soon as we're finished.

2. A is for academics, B is for beer. One of those reasons is why we're not here. So, leave a message.

3. Hi. This is John. If you are from the phone company, I already sent the money. If you are my parents, please send money. If you are my financial aid institution, you didn't lend me enough money. If you are my friends, you owe me money. If you are a female, don't worry, I have plenty of money.

4. Hi. Now you say something.

5. Hi, I'm not home right now, but my answering machine is, so you can talk to it instead. Wait for the beep.

6. Hello. I am David's answering machine. What are you?

7. Hello! If you leave a message, I'll call you soon. If you leave a sexy message, I'll call sooner!

8. Hi! John's answering machine is broken. This is his refrigerator. Please speak very slowly, and I'll stick your message to myself with one of these magnets.

9. Hello, you are talking to a machine. I am capable of receiving messages. My owners do not need siding, insurance, financial planning, windows or a hot tub, and their carpets are clean. They give to charity through their Rotary Club and do not need their picture taken. If you're still with me, leave your name and number and they will get back to you.

10. This is not an answering machine. This is a telepathic thought-recording device. After the tone, think about your name, your number and your reason for calling, and I'll think about returning your call.

11. Hi. I'm probably home, I'm just avoiding someone I don't like. Leave a message and, if I don't call back, it's you.

12. Hi, this is George. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Leave a message and then wait by your phone until I call you back.

13. If you are a burglar, then we're probably at home cleaning our weapons right now, so we can't come to the phone. Otherwise, we probably aren't home and it's safe to leave a message.

14. Please leave a message. However, you have the right to remain silent. Everything you say will be recorded and will be used against you.

15. Hello, you've reached Bill and Sue. We can't pick up the phone right now, because we're doing something we really enjoy. Sue likes doing it up and down, and I like doing it side to side ...... really slowly. So leave a message and, when we're done brushing our teeth, we'll get back to you.

16. Rapper's Delight:

I hate to tell you, but I'm not home,
But you can leave a message, at the tone.
I'll give you a call, before I sleep,
Now start your message, at the beep.
Yo !

17. Hello, and welcome to the mental health hotline.

If you are obsessive-compulsive, press 1 repeatedly.
If you are co-dependent, please ask someone to press 2 for you.
If you have multiple personalities, press 3, 4, 5 and 6.
If you are paranoid, we know who you are and what you want. Stay on the line so we can trace your call.
If you are delusional, press 7 and your call will be transferred to the mother ship.
If you are schizophrenic, listen carefully and a small voice will tell you which number to press.
If you are a manic-depressive, it doesn't matter which number you press - no one will answer.
If you are dyslexic, press 9696969696969.
If you have a nervous disorder, please fidget with the hash key until an operator comes on the line.
If you have amnesia press 8 and state your name, address, phone number, date of birth, social security number and your mother's maiden name.
If you have post-traumatic stress disorder, slowly and carefully press 000.
If you have bipolar disorder, please leave a message after the beep or before the beep. Or after the beep. Please
If you have short-term memory loss, press 9.
If you have short-term memory loss, press 9.
If you have short-term memory loss, press 9.
If you have short-term memory loss, press 9.
If you have low self esteem, please hang up. All our operators are too busy to talk to you.

Welcome little T

Little Tennyson Joseph Marut, born on June 17, 2011 at 1:20 p.m. Weighing in at 6 lb 11 oz.

Mother is Sabrina Nicole Bucsko Marut. Father is Joseph Marut.

Born in Sarnia. Birth attended by father, Joe, and grandmother Kitty, plus hospital staff at Bluewater Health Centre, Sarnia.

On another note...

Progress INSIDE! Fantastic!

The wildlife in northern Ontario is certainly somewhat different from what it is in southern (southwestern) Ontario.

Mice are not restricted to northern Ontario, but I've encountered more here than in Sarnia for sure. We are not in a subdivision in Parry Sound, living one kilometre outside the town proper, and surrounded by woods. So...

We had a mouse - evidence of a mouse (singular?)- over the winter, and I cleaned that up. I filled every nook and cranny under my kitchen sink with steel wool, and we saw no further evidence of the mouse. Until...

A few days later, while sitting in the living room, I saw a shadow rush past, along the wall. Did I see something? Confirmed, when it raced past in the other direction, towards the corner of the fireplace! Then, it disappeared. We thought it was just hiding there. We watched. Saw nothing more...

But we had a trap in the kitchen. A few minutes later, off went the trap in the kitchen!!!

How did the wee creature get past us without our seeing him? Odd. Strange. We figured this was a mouse that had come inside, then had been prevented from going back outside when I stopped up all the spaces under the kitchen sink. Success! Excellent!

Then, as I'm away in Sarnia for two weeks, Sir R tells me that he's caught 4 mice! Four mice? How is that possible? We had solved the mouse problem! Evidently not...

On my return, a trap was set on the fireplace hearth. Caught a mouse. So, we got steel wool and placed it round the fireplace (it's a propane insert) to see if that would help. Set a trap. Next morning, we'd caught a mouse. Well, check for more holes.

Another hole that we thought had been filled with foam was revisited and filled with more steel wool - actually Brillo pads. (Steel wool is hard to come by. :) )

And this morning - there is no little gift on the fireplace. The trap still sits there, and we'll leave it for a few days - but I have high hopes that we have solved this problem.

I don't have the same soft spot for mice as I do for the raccoon. Is it the soulful eyes?

What to do, what to do...

My dilemma.

I know that you're not supposed to feed wild animals. But is that kind to anyone? I don't know why this is always a dilemma in the north of Ontario...

The temptation now is a rather scruffy female raccoon - with a white patch on her back - probably from illness - and her three babies. I'd rather not know about them.

They live somewhere in the woods around our house. We had a bird feeder outside the kitchen window, and the mother took charge of that, visited it a few days with her babies, and then finally destroyed it, probably took it away with her, and we can't find it - only bits and pieces of it. Right now, she's back this morning, picking up the seeds.

It stormed rather heavily overnight, so her coat is very wet. The babies are not with her this morning. I saw her earlier when I looked out our living room window down the path to the lake, and there - looking up at me - were two eyes. I didn't see her at first - only her eyes. I didn't realize she was on her way up to the concrete patio outside the kitchen.

She's a bit disturbing because, if I were to open the kitchen door, she'd come straight in. She's not afraid at all.

And I just don't like the idea of them being out in the wet and cold and struggling for survival. I would rather not know...

Summer, 2010

A long time has passed since my last blog entry, but I've decide that I should write more often. I have a lot of creativity to share - I wonder if anyone even pays attention?

I've just added a few links to the right side menu bar - a Wedding in Vegas, a video of a Rotary Parry Sound party, and some pictures from District 7020.

Enjoy!

Lessons Learned from the Great Depression

How to Apply Lessons Learned from the Great Depression

Recent economic times may mirror what American grandparents or great-grandparents went through in the Great Depression. While this time may be a challenge, it may be an opportunity to look back and learn how previous generations coped with tough economic times. Hopefully, we'll never need to relive their lessons learned, but at the very least we can appreciate their resourcefulness and gain perspective on our own situations.

Steps

1. Quit using credit. If you don't have the cash to make a purchase, then don't buy it. If you have credit cards, make sure to pay the balance off every month. If you can't pay off the balance, then cut up the credit card(s) and work on paying down what you owe. One of the first lessons learned by people who survived the Great Depression was to never borrow money unless you have a clear plan for how you're going to pay it back.[1] And when layoffs are a reality, expecting to pay for it with your Christmas bonus or your next paycheck is not a sound plan. If you don't have the money to pay for it right now, don't buy it.
   
   • Use Affirmations Effectively - Repeat this affirmation to yourself until it sinks in: Debt is not an option.
     
   • Prioritize Your Debts - Prioritizing your debts can help you pay them off as quickly as possible, and it can provide the security you need to get back on your feet even in lean times.
     
   
   
2. Nurture positive relationships with family and friends. They will see you through difficult times. Be honest with your family and friends that you are facing difficult times financially. Discover ways to barter and help each other. During hard times, many people bond through the simple pleasures in life, many of which are almost free. During the Depression, people still had fun, just not lavish fun. Children had soapbox derbies, teenagers had dance contests, people played Monopoly, did puzzles, read, and listened to the radio. It took some imagination and ingenuity, but they had a lot of fun without hanging out at the mall, and you can too. Get together to discuss philosophy or pray; play poker or make crazy quilt pillows; play instruments and dance. Many of the friendships and alliances formed during the Great Depression on the basis of such activities stood the test of time.[2]
   
   • Talk to Your Children About a Financial Crisis
     
   • Get Adult Kids to Pay Their Share
     
   • Have a Depression Dinner. Research what people ate during the Depression. It wasn't all pinto beans and corn bread.
     
   
   
3. Do it yourself. When money is short, you don't really have a choice - either you do it yourself, or it doesn't get done. Learn how to fix and maintain everything in your home, in addition to your clothes and accessories.
   
   • Sew. Learn how to mend torn seams, hem, sew buttons, and sew zippers. This will make your clothes last much longer. When you need new clothes, either shop at second-hand stores and tailor the clothes so they fit, or buy fabric and make your own clothes from patterns. You can also apply your sewing skills to recycle old clothes into handy new things, like turning an old pair of jeans into a tote bag.
     
   • Get in touch with your inner handyman (or handywoman). Do you know how to fix a running toilet? Pack a water shutoff valve? Change a clothes drier belt? Replace an interior doorknob?
     
   • Change the oil in your car. While you're at it, you might want to check and change the fluids, battery and cabin air filter yourself. Alternatively, if you want to develop a good relationship with your auto mechanic, see if you can barter - perhaps an oil change in exchange for a professional haircut? Or a tire rotation for meat loaf?
     
   
   
4. See frugality as a virtue. There's a difference between being frugal and being cheap or stingy. A frugal person makes the most of what they have; a cheap person is just focused on not spending money. During the Great Depression, frugality was seen as a positive trait. During hard times, it'll help you get by, but when things get better, maintaining those habits will help you build wealth.[3] Plus, frugality requires planning, creativity, and critical thinking - all of which are important life skills, regardless of the state of the economy.
   
   • Reduce Expenses
     
   • Hypermile
     
   
   
5. Treat food with respect. When times get tough - really tough - you appreciate having food on the table. You might never know what it's like to have to eat wet bread for dinner, but you don't have to get to that point to make the resolution to never waste food. "Take all you want, but eat all you take."[1] Cook food from scratch and, if you can, go straight to the source (such as dealing directly with farmers) or become your own source: grow your own food, keep livestock, gather wild edibles, and/or hunt wild game if possible and legal. Whatever it is that you procure for food, never let it make it to the garbage can without a very good reason.
   
   • Save Money by Shopping Once a Month
     
   • Get Started in the Slow Food Movement
     
   • Keep Chickens in a City
     
   • Learn to cook. There is probably no skill that will get you through hard times with equanimity than being able to rustle up a good meal for yourself out of whatever's around.
     
     • While you're at it, learn other domestic skills too. Unless you're actually homeless, you can certainly afford to keep your home clean and tidy. On the other hand, whatever your worst expectations of being broke are, living in a dirty, disorganized place is likely to make it seem like they're coming horribly true.
       
     
     
   • Buy preserved (canned, dried, etc.) foods in bulk whenever the cost is lower than buying a smaller size.
     
   • Avoid "convenience" foods, as they are usually more expensive and less healthy. Learn to cook. You can save a lot of money by cooking from scratch rather than ordering take-out or take-away. A good thrifty cook can make a tasty, nutritious meal from inexpensive ingredients and "stretch a meal". Also, leftovers are much cheaper to bring to work or school than buying lunch.
     
   
   
6. Reuse, reuse, reuse. The amount of stuff you have should already be reduced by your limited spending, and you'll always want to think twice before throwing anything away, whether it's into the trash or the recycling bin. Get everyone involved, especially children - hold up an item that you would normally throw away and ask, "How can we reuse this?" Here are some ideas to get you started:
   
   • Reuse an Empty Altoids Tin
     
   • Turn a t-shirt into a sexy bikini or baby romper
     
   • Reuse Old Shower Curtains
     
   • Recycle Your Socks
     
   • Reuse old containers
     
   
   
7. Be thankful. Be thankful when you're economically strapped? Of course. Make a list of the top five things you couldn't live without, and chances are, all of those things are not possessions. Most of all, be optimistic. As one Great Depression survivor said, "I never thought a cloud was so dark that I couldn't find a silver lining" (Betty Davison).[2]
   

Tips

• "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without." If possible, use the things you have until they are completely used up. Or, even better, do without things that don't hold up to use.
  
• Ask your older relatives and friends how they lived through the Depression. Most will be happy to share how they "made do". If you don't know anyone from that generation, consider volunteering at a local senior center or nursing home. You'll gain tremendous insight, and they will gain good company.
  
• Before purchasing anything, give it a thought, "Do I really need it?"
  
• Try to save on electricity bills and telephone bills. If you're purchasing an electronic device, lookout for the ones that save power.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Budget Your Money
  
• How to Eat Healthy on a Budget
  
• How to Create a Household Budget
  
• How to Budget Your Money As a Teen
  
• How to Grocery Shop and Cook Frugally
  
• How to Furnish Your First College Dorm or Apartment on a Budget
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Apply Lessons Learned from the Great Depression. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

MLGA - AGM - July 5, 2008

Where?
Home of Jim & Marian Ferris
FR 304-4 McDougall Rd, RR#1
705-746-2385

When?
10:00 a.m. - noon: General Meeting

Starting at Noon
BBQ and Social - lunch will be provided (hamburgers,hotdogs, pop, chips) - donations accepted. Bring your own lawn chairs.

Come by car, boat or foot. There will be plenty of parking as Barb and Brendan Merritt are right beside Jim and Marian and they have volunteered both their driveway and their dock for parking.

Come RAIN or SHINE and meet your neighbours from around the lake. Let's build a lake community that works and plays together.

Please RSVP if you are coming and state how many in your party to: Lyndsay Nightingale at milllakeguardians@gmail.com.

Agenda

1. Welcome
2.Apologies for Absence
3.Chairmanʼs Report
4.Treasurerʼs Report
5. Constitution
6.Committee Reports
7. Director Elections
8. New Business
9. Next Meeting

Today is a great day! Sunshine! Heat!

It's been a while since I logged in here and added any news. But it's finally a lovely day out and I have a couple of videos to share.


These curious creatures are on my balcony and I'm feeding them peanuts. They are so much fun to watch.

Press the Play button above to play the video.

A busy day - Wednesday was!

Today, Andrei and Lisa left for St. Lucia. We got a call later that they were delayed in leaving Anguilla, and would miss their connection in Antigua. However, they would be staying in Antigua overnight -- and they'd be put up so all is not lost.

I emailed their guest house in St. Lucia that they'd be arriving tomorrow instead of today and got a lovely email in reply. Impressive.

And today was one of those days when nothing goes as planned. Theolinda and her daughter, Aline, arrived unannounced this morning about 9:30 and stayed till about 11:30 so we had no recourse except to visit. But that was quite productive and a very good visit.

Theolinda is the owner, and it's nice to deal with her on occasion. She brought a curtain for the bathroom and brought the parts for the hot water heater. She brought a new motion sensor light (the previous one had been stolen!!!) and she brought us a new working wall clock.

Before that happened, the guy for the screens arrived at 7:45 a.m. to measure the windows in the addition for screens. Then he left and promised to return this afternoon with the finished screens. To our great surprise, he did just that. So, now we have screens and we can open up the windows in the addition.

After everyone left, I tried to sit down to work but our neighbour, Pearl, dropped over and we had to have a wee visit as well. She is leaving tomorrow for three weeks to visit her sister(s) and brother in New York. Ed, her husband, is staying here by himself -- so we will look in on him, I'm sure.

And in the afternoon, we had to take Lisa and Andrei to the airport. I'm being an ass in this photo, showing off my new lime-green shoes -- fake Crocs I got in SXM yesterday!



They were very excited about their trip to St. Lucia!

Here they are at the airport. We left them to wait for the LIAT flight to Antigua and then on to St. Lucia.













I am excited because now I feel that I am living in luxury -- so much more than what we had last year. I really do feel COMFORTABLE.

I have my table with the legs we brought from Canada -- but the table that Sir Ralph built for me.

We have the cable television and the Internet - and so far, the Internet is excellent. There was, as always, the setup that was a bit of a hassle, but now I have things sorted out well enough.

I have my keyboard and a brand new EXCELLENT stool that is adjustable and very comfortable. (If I could only find the time to practice...)

We have two bedrooms and two bathrooms -- and the new bathroom is twice the size of the other one -- and it's NEW!

The shower heads are NEW in both bathrooms -- and the water pressure is great! We are still working on cold water (which here is not really cold, but just "not hot") but that is a temporary thing and is quite manageable in the interim.

Our location right on the beach is just the best!

We have a family of puppies outside that we can feed. They will have to go to AARF shortly. I'm working on gaining their trust so that I can catch them. In the meantime, they are just adorable!

We have a new barbecue that we got yesterday in St. Maarten. We have a porch where we can actually sit outside in a protected area -- so we could invite friends over!

We have the use of a washing machine two doors away (with Andrei and Lisa) and laundry becomes very manageable.

We discovered the Merchants' Market and got chicken last week that will do us for a while. That's a very good place for us to shop.

We can get excellent Gouda cheese here -- in large wheels -- and it's cheap compared to what we would pay at home.

I've been able to make a mean chicken stew so that we can eat a very healthy and delicious and easy-to-make supper on top of the stove.

And life is good! It's just good!