November, Revisited.

I apologise for neglecting my blogging duties lately.  It's not that I haven't had ideas, I just lack the energy to put it all down in some kind of logical manner. November's weather was very gloomy, and winter has set in for the season.  I was considering whether I wanted to do a Remembrance Day post, but the Sunday before the date, we were invited out for dinner so that meant if I wanted to write something I would be up most of the night.  Then that night we heard the news that there was a plane crash at our local airport.  This was something that had never happened here before.  Sure, there were sometimes accidents with float planes, but never a passenger plane.  With sick hearts, we went to bed knowing that in our small area, it was a certainty that we would know at least one person who died in that crash.  We learned the names of the victims the next day.  There were three local people who were killed, as well as the pilot, and copilot.  Miraculously there had been 2 survivors.
That was a dreadful time of mourning for our town.

The other thing that has been occupying my every waking moment was getting ready to transfer to another elementary school library in our area.  It was very bittersweet to say good bye to such a wonderful group of students and teachers.  It was hard work trying to tie up all the loose ends I had built up over the dozen or so years I had been at that school. But I received such a fabulous send-off in a school wide assembly - it was truly overwhelming.  I am still going through all the lovely notes and drawings I received from the students.

The other preoccupation around here lately has been antics of Toronto's mayor.  It is a Canadian truism that everybody hates Toronto (except Torontonians).  While some might think that it is a western Canadian thing --  I can assure you that Northern Ontario has a much bigger grudge.  So of course we can delight in the world wide mockery that Rob Ford has made of his city!  Almost every day there he was on the news making an even bigger ass of himself than the day before!  My favourite comedians didn't have any trouble coming up with something to say- they just basically needed to repeat his quotes.  I love the look on Stephen Colbert's face after Ford's last infamous quote.

But as always, Rick Mercer manages to bring everything into perspective.

I was dying to write something about this ridiculous excuse for a public figure, but I have tried not to be too political on this blog, although it has been difficult at times.  Why did I wish to reign in my very strong opinions? -- Just that I had no wish to offend anyone.  So imagine how thrilled I was when I read Richard Armitage's statements in the New York Moves article!  Nothing he said really surprised me, but I was glad that he had the courage to share his opinions.  Since he is a British citizen, it isn't hard to believe that he would be pro gun control and pro National Health Care. Most Canadians would also agree. (Not too sure about Rob Ford, though!)

Well, with all this talk about guns and Rob Ford, I can't help thinking about one of my favourite songs from Elton John's fabulous "Rock of the Westies" album.

These lyrics in particular:

Like a child when his toys have been stepped on

That's how it all seemed to me

I burst the bubble that both of us lived in

And I'm damned if I'll ever get rid of this guilt that I feel

And if looks could kill then I'd be a dead man

Your friends and mine don't call no more

Hell, I thought it was best but now I feel branded

Breaking up's sometimes like breaking the law

Breaking up's sometimes like breaking the law

And I feel like a bullet in the gun of Robert Ford

I'm low as a paid assassin is

You know I'm cold as a hired sword

I'm so ashamed can't we patch it up

You know I can't think straight no more

You make me feel like a bullet honey in the gun of Robert Ford

I Feel Like a Bullet (in the gun of Robert Ford /Elton John

Day for Remembrance

Today, I remember my father.  He was born 100 years ago yesterday.  He is not alive today, having been grateful to pass away in his 90th year, long after life ceased to be of interest to him.  Although he was lucky not to suffer any real physical ailments, he was a proud man and he was tired from the gradual loss of his independence and his sense of dignity.

He was a hard man to know -- incomprehensible to his children.  His frequent bouts of bombastic temper are family legend now.  But despite his failings as a parent, we knew he cared about us.  He was there for us, to support us in every way that a father can.

What I remember most about him was his sense of humour.  He loved wordplay and our family had quite a few invented words (almost our own language) which we all contributed to, and he enjoyed very much. As he was in his late 40s when I was born, I don't remember him as a very active father, our shared pursuits were more sedentary - reading, watching television, and playing board games like checkers, crockinole and chess.

His old friends remembered his sense of humour. When I was in my late teens and we moved to southern Ontario I had the privilege of meeting one of Dad's friends from his RCAF squandron in WWII.  I could tell from his manner that he still held a lot of respect for my father and my Dad was equally thrilled to meet with him again.

Here is a picture of the squandron taken in 1945 at Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, UK.

Thanks to my sister for providing the picture!

For more about my Dad, here is my post from last year:

Bombs Away

And last, but not ever least, here is Rick Mercer ranting about the Canadian federal government's latest injustice to our Veterans.

More poppies

Last year when I went with a poppy-laced theme for Remembrance Day, my blogger friend Avalon Medieval made me realize I had missed a very iconic scene about poppies from the movie "The Wizard of Oz".  As the Wicked Witch of the North cackles, "Poppies will put them to sleep!"  We see Dorothy and her fellow travellers in the midst of a huge field of magical poppies, which have the poisonous effect of causing eternal slumber.


 Please click this link to the poetry website of author Josie Whitehead to read her poem which is a tribute to Remembrance Day:  Flower of the Eternal Sleep.

Screencap from Strike Back courtesy of Richard Armitage Central Gallery

Canada's Military has lost 158 soldiers to the land of the poppies. This webpage honours all of the fallen Canadians who gave their lives in service to Canada while striving to help the people of Afghanistan.

A section of Canada's Highway 401 between Trenton and Toronto, Ontario was renamed the Highway of Heroes to honour Canada's fallen soldiers as this is the route of the family and the military convoy carrying the body from the ceremony at Canadian Forces Base Trenton to Toronto.

Highway of Heroes / by Pete Fisher (2008)

The Canadian Hero fund is a charity to provide scholarships
for the children and spouses of fallen soldiers.

Here is Rick Mercer proudly wearing a poppy
and reminding us to pay our respects on Remembrance Day.

Some people seem to feel that a white poppy (as a symbol of peace) is a better choice to wear.  I definitely agree that peace is what we all need to work at.  But for Remembrance Day, the traditional red poppy, which symbolizes sacrifice and honours those who gave their lives to protect others, is the respectful choice.  One can choose a white poppy on another day of the year.

Canadian troops began returning from Afghanistan in June 2011.  I am sure all the families will be breathing a sigh of relief this Christmas.

Gari Glaysher sings Bring Him Home : a tribute to the Afghan heroes, from Les Miserables. 

I can't mention poppies without remembering The Poppy Family one of my favourite Canadian bands from the 1970's.  The group included husband and wife Susan and Terry Jacks.  I love the sound of Susan's voice. I was going choose their song Evil Grows, but then I found this song which seems much more appropriate to this day.

I Was Wondering / The Poppy Family

There's nothing like a good rant!

My son phoned from University to tell me he was all finished exams and he had just voted in an advance poll for Canada's upcoming Federal election.  He always makes me proud but today -- I was even prouder than usual!  Last time there was a Federal election he was away at University and in the middle of exams, and well, he just didn't take the time to exercise his democratic rights.  Even after being encouraged and reminded by both his parents.  Not even comedian Rick Mercer could persuade him last time.

Rick Mercer's rant from 2 years ago.

Since that last election not too much has changed in Canada.  Sure, we had a worldwide recession, but Canada fared much better than a lot of other countries.  Prices are higher, wages not much, so you would think it should be business as usual in our Nation's capital (that would be Ottawa -- not Toronto, not Quebec City, and not Calgary) -- Ottawa, Ontario, the land of minority governments since 2004.

Canada is not a stranger to minority governments. In fact, it might seem that Canadians actually prefer them, since we elect so many of them.  Of course the governing party would prefer to have a majority, but since the voters have agreed to disagree, we expect those elected officials to just carry on and get along with the governing of our nation.  Sure, we know there will be a few disagreements, maybe even a little name-calling (not too much that the Speaker of the House can't handle), but basically -- we expect them to find a way to make things work.

Except that the minority government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper just can't seem to accept that it is in a minority.  It has tried twice before to get a majority and failed, and now here we go again with another expensive election so that Stephen Harper can attempt to achieve a majority government.

I love how Rick Mercer explains the likelihood of that happening:

Unfortunately that video was filmed a year ago and some people think Harper's chances are much better now to get his majority...


Two weeks ago Rick Mercer makes another appeal to the youth of our nation to exercise their freedom and get out and vote!

You tell 'em Rick!

Well, guess what?  This time they actually listened!  Students at the University of Guelph staged what they called a "vote mob".  It is a fun, positive, non-partisan student rally to encourage students to vote.  The movement has spread to many other Canadian universities across the country.

Is it any wonder that Canadians voted Rick Mercer one of our Greatest Canadians?  He came 50th in a poll that included politicians, scientists, sports stars, music and movie stars and many other celebrities.

Anyone who can inspire that much passion about the political process is a very special individual!






And just in case you thought I forgot ...Here is another special individual who inspires passion (at least to the female heart). ;)
 

 

Many of his fans have been voting for him lately in polls @ The Hunkies.

The Last Spike -- 125th Anniversary tribute

CPR travel poster

November 7th 1885 was the date that the last spike was driven into the track of Canada's first transcontinental railway (the Canadian Pacific Railway -- a.k.a. the CPR).  Sorry, my post is late by a few days, but I just got the memo!


Actually I missed seeing last week's episode of the Rick Mercer Report. Luckily I subscribe to his Youtube channel and what to my wondering eyes did appear -- but this excellent clip where Rick interviews Parks Canada employees about the Last Spike and rides the rails over some of the most beautiful railway scenery to be found anywhere in the world!

The history of Canada is defined by this transcontinental railroad.  There is a good chance that without the persistence of Sir John A. Macdonald (Canada's first Prime Minister) and the partnership of railway engineer Sir Sanford Fleming and CPR general manager Cornelius Van Horne, Canada would not exist in its present form today of 10 provinces and 3 territories linked together from east to west coast by a fragile network of rail (and now highways).  In fact, it was mainly in order to bring the province of British Columbia into Confederation that started the mad rush to build the railroad in the first place.
Is it any wonder then that so many talented performers have paid homage to Canada's railways?

Here's a famous song called Canadian Pacific by country music star Hank Snow

And one of my favourite songs by Gordon Lightfoot, Steel Rail Blues



Now you know I can't leave without a picture of Richard Armitage, so here he is as
Claude Monet in The Impressionists admiring a train.

screencap courtesy of RichardArmitageNet

*******UPDATE*******
Just had to share this lovely montage done by a dear friend and fellow admirer of Richard Armitage.
Just look at the way she has blended Richard as Claude Monet in The Impressionists with Monet's own artwork and a quote by fellow Impressionist painter Edouard Manet about his artistic vision.

The quote in English is "I paint what I see, not what pleases others to see".

Monet is more appropriate to this post than I at first realized! His birthdate was November 14, 1840 which means that I just missed his 170th birthday by one day!

If you like trains as I do, don't miss my first post on this blog, "I Think I Can"