So my new love is a song called "The Wall" from Anais Mitchell's folk opera "Hadestown" [which is a telling of the Orpheus myth, set in post-apocalyptic depression-era USA.... it features Ani DiFranco as Persephone].
In anyevent, this is Hades [singer Greg Brown] singing.
I love it.... great political stuff!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtdLl05UcRU
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sweet Access Calgary
Sept 27, 2010
Zoe and I took the Access Calgary bus to the Deerfoot Mall on Saturday. I am not driving and for the price of a bus ticket, I can book to accompany her on public transportation. The contract for the transportation is held by Associated Cabs and the drivers know all of the clients after a while.
There were 10 of us on the bus. I was the only one who the driver came back to check on as to whether she had her seat belt done up. Before he pulled out onto the road, the driver checked his rear view mirror and his accented voice was yelling instructions at someone but I didn’t know who? It was when he finally called, “It is the one sitting by Zoe that I am talking to” that I figured out it was me who was to put down her arm rest.
For a fleeting moment I wondered why he didn't have the rider on the other side of the row, a couple of seats ahead of me, pull down his arm rest as well, but then, what did it matter.
“We are about to take flight,” he continued, “and you might fly off the side of the seat.
His concerns were warranted. The bus jolts and lumbers, forward and backward, to the left and the right – at the very least it is due for a new set of shock absorbers. Zoe is oblivious to the conversations going on in the bus ... who is having a birthday party the next day, why isn’t the driver being invited, questions to each other as to whether they have remembered their bowling cards or not. Annette tried to get into a conversation with Zoe, as she does every week. Zoe stares straight ahead, as she does every week.
Zoe demonstrates an initial spark of life when she gets into the bowling alley and sees the canteen where she can order fries and chicken strips. But even the food loses its charm when the leaders announce that the athletes can take their places in the bowling lanes. Then her face glows with happiness.
“Five strikes and three spares,” she told me when the games were over.
Wyona and I had talked about the odds of putting her on the bus, alone and having her return home. I thought the chances would be quite low and Wyona concurred. There is just that moment when standing waiting for the bus home that Zoe goes through a door from which I think she will quickly return. And when she doesn’t I know it is time to look for the closest vending machines, which she seems to have previously spotted but whose positions I have been oblivious to.
Waiting for the ride back is really fun. Two Access Calgary buses pull up, but when we go to each of their open doors, the drivers fumble through their papers and then call out to us, “Zoe, you aren’t on my list.”
A yellow wheel-chair accessible taxi drives up and the driver gets out and says, “I am your driver today, Zoe.”
Amazing how all of that is organized and I am the only one who doesn’t know what is going on.
Arta
Zoe and I took the Access Calgary bus to the Deerfoot Mall on Saturday. I am not driving and for the price of a bus ticket, I can book to accompany her on public transportation. The contract for the transportation is held by Associated Cabs and the drivers know all of the clients after a while.
There were 10 of us on the bus. I was the only one who the driver came back to check on as to whether she had her seat belt done up. Before he pulled out onto the road, the driver checked his rear view mirror and his accented voice was yelling instructions at someone but I didn’t know who? It was when he finally called, “It is the one sitting by Zoe that I am talking to” that I figured out it was me who was to put down her arm rest.
For a fleeting moment I wondered why he didn't have the rider on the other side of the row, a couple of seats ahead of me, pull down his arm rest as well, but then, what did it matter.
“We are about to take flight,” he continued, “and you might fly off the side of the seat.
His concerns were warranted. The bus jolts and lumbers, forward and backward, to the left and the right – at the very least it is due for a new set of shock absorbers. Zoe is oblivious to the conversations going on in the bus ... who is having a birthday party the next day, why isn’t the driver being invited, questions to each other as to whether they have remembered their bowling cards or not. Annette tried to get into a conversation with Zoe, as she does every week. Zoe stares straight ahead, as she does every week.
Zoe demonstrates an initial spark of life when she gets into the bowling alley and sees the canteen where she can order fries and chicken strips. But even the food loses its charm when the leaders announce that the athletes can take their places in the bowling lanes. Then her face glows with happiness.
“Five strikes and three spares,” she told me when the games were over.
Wyona and I had talked about the odds of putting her on the bus, alone and having her return home. I thought the chances would be quite low and Wyona concurred. There is just that moment when standing waiting for the bus home that Zoe goes through a door from which I think she will quickly return. And when she doesn’t I know it is time to look for the closest vending machines, which she seems to have previously spotted but whose positions I have been oblivious to.
Waiting for the ride back is really fun. Two Access Calgary buses pull up, but when we go to each of their open doors, the drivers fumble through their papers and then call out to us, “Zoe, you aren’t on my list.”
A yellow wheel-chair accessible taxi drives up and the driver gets out and says, “I am your driver today, Zoe.”
Amazing how all of that is organized and I am the only one who doesn’t know what is going on.
Arta
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Civic Camp
My eyes landed on a free newspaper while Wyona and I were sitting at the Dairy Queen. “Aldermanic Civic Camp Form, Triwood Community Centre, Thursday, 7 pm”, was about all I could read. I am not driving right now – no depth perception for a while due to the cataract surgery but this looked like an evening out in my neighbourhood. I have discovered it is a 20 minute quick walk to Wyona’s and Triwood Community Centre is five minutes short of Wyona’s house.
Civic Camp has organized aldermanic forums in each of Calgary’s wards, and this was the next-to-the last one they were running. Each candidate spoke 2 minutes. A set of questions were put to the candidates and 2 chits drawn from a cup so that the alderman holding that colour could answer that question. As well, each alderman had 4 chits worth one minute each when they could speak to a question of their choice. The audience was asked to respectfully refrain from jumping into the discussions, and that was about it.
The evening flowed beautifully. At one point one of the candidates referred to a 2 million dollar deficit and audience members called out, “You mean three million”, at which point the moderator chastised the audience for breaking their contract to stay quiet, even though the correction was good.
I saw next to the former president of the West Hillhurst Community Association, though I did not know that when I choose that seat. I used him to update holes in my knowledge about what is really political right now. Dalhousie residents are complaining that they have no drop curbs to go along with the beautiful set of walkways that criss-cross their communities. I had to ask what a drop curb was. And after listening to sustainable development, I had to ask what being an urban chicken farmer really means. Apparently some people keep a couple of chicken in their yard for eggs. I had a flash back to the time when Glen raised chickens and could also see us running across the rocks trying to catch his geese. About all I can do is keep the compost going in my yard and look to the east when I am in my backyard to see Richard and Miranda’s potatoes ready to be harvested and beans climbing up their bean poles.
I met an old colleague from Bibliographic Services in the Library who lives up in Charleswood and was Ward-hopping, he said, to get a flavour of what is going on in the election. I looked for others of my library friends who live in the Community, especially Rob Tiessen who is often at the mike during open meetings, but the dark glasses I am wearing inhibits a good scan of the audience. And there was no chance to talk about copyright laws, which is where he really shines.
The Triwood Community Centre was full – the mean age of the attendees was about my age -- 70. The only drawback to that is when my cohort are all trying to leave at the same time, the exit down the stairs is very slow, for most of the people are taking the stairs by both using the hand rails and having both feet on one step before attempting the next step. Other than that, we are all pretty young looking.
I notice that Civic Camp has organized a Forum for the Mayoralty Candidates as well on Wednesday, the 29th. With a little investigation, I might be able to figure out exactly where they are holding it.
Arta
Civic Camp has organized aldermanic forums in each of Calgary’s wards, and this was the next-to-the last one they were running. Each candidate spoke 2 minutes. A set of questions were put to the candidates and 2 chits drawn from a cup so that the alderman holding that colour could answer that question. As well, each alderman had 4 chits worth one minute each when they could speak to a question of their choice. The audience was asked to respectfully refrain from jumping into the discussions, and that was about it.
The evening flowed beautifully. At one point one of the candidates referred to a 2 million dollar deficit and audience members called out, “You mean three million”, at which point the moderator chastised the audience for breaking their contract to stay quiet, even though the correction was good.
I saw next to the former president of the West Hillhurst Community Association, though I did not know that when I choose that seat. I used him to update holes in my knowledge about what is really political right now. Dalhousie residents are complaining that they have no drop curbs to go along with the beautiful set of walkways that criss-cross their communities. I had to ask what a drop curb was. And after listening to sustainable development, I had to ask what being an urban chicken farmer really means. Apparently some people keep a couple of chicken in their yard for eggs. I had a flash back to the time when Glen raised chickens and could also see us running across the rocks trying to catch his geese. About all I can do is keep the compost going in my yard and look to the east when I am in my backyard to see Richard and Miranda’s potatoes ready to be harvested and beans climbing up their bean poles.
I met an old colleague from Bibliographic Services in the Library who lives up in Charleswood and was Ward-hopping, he said, to get a flavour of what is going on in the election. I looked for others of my library friends who live in the Community, especially Rob Tiessen who is often at the mike during open meetings, but the dark glasses I am wearing inhibits a good scan of the audience. And there was no chance to talk about copyright laws, which is where he really shines.
The Triwood Community Centre was full – the mean age of the attendees was about my age -- 70. The only drawback to that is when my cohort are all trying to leave at the same time, the exit down the stairs is very slow, for most of the people are taking the stairs by both using the hand rails and having both feet on one step before attempting the next step. Other than that, we are all pretty young looking.
I notice that Civic Camp has organized a Forum for the Mayoralty Candidates as well on Wednesday, the 29th. With a little investigation, I might be able to figure out exactly where they are holding it.
Arta
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The London Load Has Arrived
Here is the final move for Wyona and Greg (hopefully). Bates siblings, you will not believe how small the moving truck was. It was so tiny. It only took the movers a couple of hours to unload, and now they are unpacking boxes. I think they may even be done in one day (not Wyona and Greg, I mean the movers). So far only the glass on one picture frame is broken, and only 2 small tables that belonged to the government were packed by accident. I haven't seen any garbage pails with garbage in them. What a smooth move, literally. I guess after moving for 37 years, you would hope that the government movers would get it right by the end. Now I am trying to decided how much will fit in my mini-van to go home. Maybe I will take the large red van home...
Monday, September 20, 2010
Eye Surgery: the grabber and the tarragon
Modern surgery made it possible for me to get a new lens with only local freezing in my eye. I was sent home with medication and instructions not to bend from the waist, nor to pick up anything heavier than five pounds. I also have some terrific sun glasses to wear, making me look very Hollywood.
Kelvin gave me an aid he has used to pick up items on the floor: a grabber. The grabber worked perfectly for me the first time I used it, but on the second day I couldn't get it to work no matter how much pressure I put on the handle. I tried to scoop up an article of clothing, but when the fabric slipped off numberous times I gave up and went to Kelvin.
"Could you please fix this."
"If you turn it around and use the other end, you will find I won't have to do anything to it," he said.
Because I can't bend over, the weeds in the flower beds at the back of the house have not only a head start on me, but may be taking over. Kelvin attacked the tallest ones. I wasn't all that happy when I saw the tarragon bush laying on the cement along with the noxious weeds.
"I will buy you a new one in the spring," he said.
"Replanting the old one will do," I replied. "We have yet to have a frost and still have Indian Summer to experience, so I think the roots will be fine. They just need to be grounded again."
So, two points for Kelvin -- he instructed me on how to use the grabber, and my tarragon is safely back in the ground.
One point for me -- my right eye has a new lens and my left eye will catch up with the right on October 8th.
Arta
Kelvin gave me an aid he has used to pick up items on the floor: a grabber. The grabber worked perfectly for me the first time I used it, but on the second day I couldn't get it to work no matter how much pressure I put on the handle. I tried to scoop up an article of clothing, but when the fabric slipped off numberous times I gave up and went to Kelvin.
"Could you please fix this."
"If you turn it around and use the other end, you will find I won't have to do anything to it," he said.
Because I can't bend over, the weeds in the flower beds at the back of the house have not only a head start on me, but may be taking over. Kelvin attacked the tallest ones. I wasn't all that happy when I saw the tarragon bush laying on the cement along with the noxious weeds.
"I will buy you a new one in the spring," he said.
"Replanting the old one will do," I replied. "We have yet to have a frost and still have Indian Summer to experience, so I think the roots will be fine. They just need to be grounded again."
So, two points for Kelvin -- he instructed me on how to use the grabber, and my tarragon is safely back in the ground.
One point for me -- my right eye has a new lens and my left eye will catch up with the right on October 8th.
Arta
David's dentist and toys-r-us visits
From David Doral:
Today I went to see my dentist in Peachland by Kelowna. I sat in the dentist chair all by myself for the first time. I was very brave. I got my second filling. It didn't hurt. Because I was so brave I got double presents from the dentist: bubbles, a bouncy ball, a dental bib, my own floss, and "Mr Thirsty" (the non-reusable tube top of the devise that sucks water from your mouth during dental procedures).
On the way home we stopped at Toys-r-us. I got to choose one small lego set. I got Star WarsRebel Trooper Battle Back. My favorite Star Wars character is R2D2. My next favorite it C-3P0. I like Chewbacca too. What is your favorite?
Bye. May the force be with you.
Today I went to see my dentist in Peachland by Kelowna. I sat in the dentist chair all by myself for the first time. I was very brave. I got my second filling. It didn't hurt. Because I was so brave I got double presents from the dentist: bubbles, a bouncy ball, a dental bib, my own floss, and "Mr Thirsty" (the non-reusable tube top of the devise that sucks water from your mouth during dental procedures).
On the way home we stopped at Toys-r-us. I got to choose one small lego set. I got Star WarsRebel Trooper Battle Back. My favorite Star Wars character is R2D2. My next favorite it C-3P0. I like Chewbacca too. What is your favorite?
Bye. May the force be with you.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Drive Home and Summer Wrap-Up
From the Camps-Johnsons
Add a couple of hours to your mean driving time if you are going to or from B.C. There is still construction at Lake Louise and at Ten-Mile Hill. The longer trip doesn't make a difference though, when it comes to that initial enjoyment of stepping out of the car and feeling the moist air on your skin or having the scent of cedar all around you. Bonnie, Joaquim and David tried to list what is so good about having a trip back home and seeing Annis Bay again.
1. The beauty of the waterfall that is to the south of the road just around the Enchanted Forest never ceases. The one, which when passing, someone always says, “Grandma Wyora loved this waterfall.
2. Right now you can see part of the Salmon Run just at Yard Creek, the fish making their way up the river against the current. What a fantastic process to watch.
3. For Joaquim there is autumn pleasure of the first day of kindergarten when parents are encouraged to sit through the day and see how the child is doing through in his French immersion class.
4. The charm of the little Canadian Stream is still high – there would be a long list of people who have spent many hours turning its course, though few have managed to turn it far from emptying into the lake.
5. A walk down the rutted road to the lake still carries with it an indescribable magic.
6. David Camps won the prize for the person who had read the most books this summer at the library. Well, what is a person to do in Sicamous if they have 1 /12 hours to spend between when their morning class ends and their afternoon one begins. There are only 2 big things to do there. Visit the library or the hockey rink. Both good choices, but David didn’t always have his skates in the car for a quick spin around the rink.
Arta
Add a couple of hours to your mean driving time if you are going to or from B.C. There is still construction at Lake Louise and at Ten-Mile Hill. The longer trip doesn't make a difference though, when it comes to that initial enjoyment of stepping out of the car and feeling the moist air on your skin or having the scent of cedar all around you. Bonnie, Joaquim and David tried to list what is so good about having a trip back home and seeing Annis Bay again.
1. The beauty of the waterfall that is to the south of the road just around the Enchanted Forest never ceases. The one, which when passing, someone always says, “Grandma Wyora loved this waterfall.
2. Right now you can see part of the Salmon Run just at Yard Creek, the fish making their way up the river against the current. What a fantastic process to watch.
3. For Joaquim there is autumn pleasure of the first day of kindergarten when parents are encouraged to sit through the day and see how the child is doing through in his French immersion class.
4. The charm of the little Canadian Stream is still high – there would be a long list of people who have spent many hours turning its course, though few have managed to turn it far from emptying into the lake.
5. A walk down the rutted road to the lake still carries with it an indescribable magic.
6. David Camps won the prize for the person who had read the most books this summer at the library. Well, what is a person to do in Sicamous if they have 1 /12 hours to spend between when their morning class ends and their afternoon one begins. There are only 2 big things to do there. Visit the library or the hockey rink. Both good choices, but David didn’t always have his skates in the car for a quick spin around the rink.
Arta
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