![]() Part II of the long and boring read. I created it as a covid exercise - to remember my living and thinking pattern during this time. Tuesday March 16th Yesterday - Mary left for home. Jen came. I worked on the puzzle, went for a walk, fooled with my desktop computer - I will be getting a new one soon. I use it to compose music - mostly. The computer is too old and the desk is not appropriate. My bathrobe is ready for pickup. I had a drawer full of Windsor Light Music t-shirts - for every production there is a t-shirt made. I just couldn’t throw them out, but really was tired of them being my wardrobe - so I had a house coat made from them. Will see - I’m nervous about it, not sure why. Waiting on my letters of reference for my city arts grant submission. The digital form is almost complete. I contacted a person who I believe worked at Mackenzie Hall and might know the sound system. I need to find out if I should rent one or use what is there. I know he has read the text message but has not responded. I’m concerned about the Common Ground space - I can’t get people to talk to me even though they said I could use it. The weather turned very cold, but it was to be just for a day or two, then back to the heat. Still watching the first season of New Amsterdam. Started a new book and it seems good - gets moving quickly - The Republic of Pirates: Being the True and Surprising Story of the Caribbean Pirates and the Man Who Brought Them Down, by Colin Woodard. By coincidence, Netflix just informed me of a new series called “The Lost Pirate Kingdom” which could be the film version of the book - though I’m not far into the book and I haven’t watched the series yet. Wednesday 17th Yesterday I took another load of yard waste to the dump. I’ve read that you should not clean your garden early as insects are there wintering. But if I wait I cannot get into the beds without trampling on the budding plants. So I have a good start as the warm weather has come early. On the way back I stopped to pick up the housecoat. As mentioned I was nervous, but I had a serious talk with myself and had a look at why that was. Without a clear answer I decided I would approach the situation being very happy with the result. Actual response when I saw it for the first time - thrilled. It is better than I imagined. She said I have a week to bring it back for adjustments. I’m considering a few small things. Packed up a large heavy device my Dad was using to enlarge the type so he could see to read. Now due to dementia he can no longer follow a story (or a movie). I continue to watch the first season of New Amsterdam, it has 22 episodes! A man came from Centennial Windows to measure for the new one in the kitchen. Went for my walk, a much nicer day but still quite cold near the river. A second reference letter (from Peter H) coming in for my city arts grant proposal. One more to go. The model I’m working on sits half-masked for the engine exhausts. (this probably makes little sense if you’re not a modeller) ![]() Thursday 18th Yesterday was another nice sunny day and after the morning routine and the arrival of Jen, I headed out to the garden and did another two hours of work. After Jen left I got Mum and Dad to sit outside. I took the housecoat over to show neighbours Laura and Will, they loved it but I’m going to have two buttons added - so that it wears more like a kimono than a housecoat. Will recently published his first book “Watching the Devil Dance", and it’s being very well received. Worked on the puzzle for a bit - it’s a tough one. Read and napped. Did not go for a walk. Not sure I will today, depends on how hard the rain comes down. Spending too much time on the web. My sister Holly fell off a ladder while painting today (Thursday) and broke her right wrist. Ouch! Somewhat fortunate she is a lefty. Thursday is a busy day in the house with Jen in from 9 - 11 and Brenda 10 - 2. Brenda comes twice a month and we stay out of her way. ![]() Friday, Saturday, Sunday This exercise is becoming a bit tedious. Life in the minutia can be boring. I sold an old palmcorder - video camera from the 90’s on FB Marketplace, to a guy named Joel. It took over a week of cancellations before he made it, only to realize it was the wrong size for his tapes. Fortunately I had another guy interested and he showed up right away. Took my housecoat back to get some clips added - no charge. Still working in the garden. Finished a piece of art which looks like those photos of the deep space. Watching New Amsterdam and The Outer Limits. Interesting episode in the latter, in which Leonard Nimoy (the future Mr. Spock) plays a reporter at the trial of a robot. The episode is called “I Robot” and obviously based on the book of the same name by Isaac Asimov. They called the robot Adam Link, which is another famous robot in the annals of Science Fiction. Several overlaps here. Monday 22nd Sunday, was another very nice day weather wise. So much so I put the sprinkler on the lawn. Lots of plants budding. I’m cleaning the leaves off the pool cover. They are under a foot of water and it takes time to get them up with the net. I do this because the pool guys just dump these smelly leaves in the garden. I let them sit for days around the pool to dry out, then I bag them. Went for my walk and there were lots of people out but few wearing masks. Seems I can try for an appointment for a covid vaccination now. ![]() Tuesday 23rd Yesterday was lovely again, about 65F. I got Mum and Dad to sit out in the sun again. Did a few minutes in the garden and more leaves out of the pool. I dump them on the deck to dry so they will not rot the paper bags and they will be ready to bag today. They said my age group could sign up for covid vaccinations but it was pushed back a day. I will try again this morning. Double day today - Jen and Linda. Spent time (and more today) preparing the first part of this blog to post. I’m posting it in two parts just to manage the workflow. There is a fair amount of “coding” to get it ready for the net. It’s no longer coding as such (I did HTML at the onset of the web back in the late 90’s) but drag and drop construction. If you want to add a photo you go to the menu bar, drag the photo app into the document. I use Weebly, which for my personal non-business use is free. It’s not perfect. I can only drop a single photo into a body of text. On my blog you will see many photos. I can only do this by breaking the text into several boxes. Then you need to prep any photo you want to use - size, location (center, left or right) , lightbox on or off (allows a user to expand the photo), spacing around the image and caption. There are many options when creating a page - text size, font, colour and on and on. Perhaps next month I will skip a blog - next month will be the final prep for my art exhibition, so no, I will have a art show blog. Wednesday 24th As mentioned the two women helpers were in yesterday. The government said we (60+) could register for a vaccine last Monday. Then they put it off till Tuesday, this too did not happen. I went over to a Shoppers Drug Mart and was told to go home, log into the Shoppers website and register there. I did, filled in the form but when I hit submit, it would not go. So they are not ready yet. Communication breakdown drives me insane. A little more work in the yard mostly around the pool. Went to Home Depot for new garden shears, I think I accidentally threw the others in with the leaves. Also got AAA batteries for Dad’s magnifying glass(s) and a ceramic pot. The pot for repotting an orchid. I let Mum do the job, which became two re-pots and she quite enjoyed it. Also went to the LCBO affectionately known as “the candy store”, as Mum calls it. Went for my walk and wore a pair of sky blue pants. I’d purchased them (Joe Fresh) last spring but with covid everything shut down and I never did wear them. They still fit. There have been two mass killings in the US this past week. It’s all about mental health - people who do this are sick but the system is not set up to help them. Projects on the go: art show (signage, sign in book, soon to book van, background music - how?), new desktop computer for music composition, new keyboard (smaller) new desk for that stuff, still lots of work on model of Tomcat, garden projects. (not much really) ![]() Thursday 25th Yesterday set another high temperature record, the second or third this month. Global warming will either be the saving or destruction of mankind. We will have to pull together by tearing down national borders, or slowly boil in the pot like the proverbial frog. It’s coming. Produced the cards for my art exhibit yesterday. Everything is art! I did a little work in the garden but not much - it’s almost up to speed. Went for a walk, stopped in at Shoppers for some bandages for Dad. I managed to register online at Shoppers for my vaccine. The first time I made an error in filling out the form. Now waiting for an appointment. I sent a copy of Mum’s obituary to one of my sisters on request. I’ve prepared a rough one in case she dies before Dad. He has dementia and would be no help, so I’ve done one in advance so that Mum can comment or fill in data we don’t know or have remembered incorrectly. She will be 92 this year and Dad 98 - these are big numbers! I stopped and had a chat with a neighbour Dr Paul Milos who is 87. He was my doctor (only during that illness) and probably saved my life when I had encephalitis around age 12 or 13. Mum says when she brought him over to the house to have a look at me, he was halfway up the stairs (to my room) when he said, get him to the hospital - he said he could smell it. The actor George Segal passed - I liked him, he had an attitude of - “life is the shits but why not make the best of it” ![]() Friday 26th Yesterday was a sound day. Around 11 I headed out and purchased (off FB Marketplace for $20) an older JBL go2 bluetooth speaker. They fit in your palm. It was to match the newer one I already had. It was a bit of a risk in that it had no charging cable and I don’t know (and am unable to find out) how long the rechargeable battery lasts. Maybe they can be replaced. It is charged and working fine. I got this second one because my Aluratek blue-tooth adaptor will connect to two devices, so why not. I originally bought them to enhance my TV sound, but it will not work from the TV. Works fine from my laptop or radio. I am trying to find a way to play music I’ve written at my art exhibit next month, but it’s not turning out to be easy. I could play the mp3 files from an old iPad, but blue-tooth speakers only run for about 5 hours - would have to charge them every night - not really a good idea. So maybe I need the old style wired/electric sound systems. After picking up the go2 I headed over to Long and Mcquade and purchased an Arturi KeyStep - 32 Slimkey Controller & Sequencer. (short promo video here) It was not in the store (I knew before going in) but should be in next week. My very old Roland A-30 is just too big - with 76 keys, it will not fit under the desk, and makes the working surface too crowded. The 32 key Arturi will fit nicely. After a few months if I’m happy with the Arturi I will sell the Roland. The Roland was the first toy I bought after my divorce, the second was a pool table I put in the living room. That Roland keyboard along with the software (and maybe a midi card) was about $2,000 about 25 years ago. Now I need to fix my desk as the pull out shelf for a regular keyboard (for typing) is too small. To do that I went up to Home Depot to buy a premade bookshelf. These are pieces of particle board covered in black or white plastic, and come in various sizes. The shortest is 6 feet (by 12 inches) for about $12. There was one piece heavily damaged, which they reduced to $6, and I got a good 3 feet out of it. (kept the other half - I need to make a shelf for the printer to get it out of the way). Once the Arturi is in and connected I’m planning to get a new computer. My old one is too slow and will not record live on a regular basis. It’s impossible to be comfortable composing music when you never know if the “take” will record. Late in the afternoon I got an email from a girl interested in some Hardy Boys books. My ad had been up a few months and I’d forgotten about it. It was for 10 books called “tweeds”. These are Hardy Boys from the 1950’s which came with dust jackets. None of these had original dust jackets and the hard cover is a brown tweed - hence the name, but I’d made nice copies of the originals for them. She ended up buying 20 at $6 a piece, which was good for both of us - she added significantly to her collection and I got rid of some extra’s. Now to buy more. I have a complete Hardy’s collection (2 versions - dust jackets and picture covers) and am collecting a number of other series which I will add to. ![]() Saturday 27th Just Ron in yesterday and he gives Dad a bath. He stays about 45 minutes. Was a little cooler and it seems there is cold and snow on the way (in a few days). Spent a good deal of time yesterday re-making my computer desk. As mentioned, a new midi controller (looks like a small piano and helps a program on the computer work) is coming and I needed to make the pull out tray longer. The pull out tray on the old desk would fit a standard computer keyboard but the midi controller will not fit. I took the old one out, removed the hardware, added 1 inch boards under the desk (to enlarge the gap) and re-attached everything. To do this I had to take my current computer apart - to clear the desk, so I could turn the unit upside down. It seems to work well. I put everything back together and composed a short piece of music. I want to get the printer off the desk so am planning to build a small shelf for it. As mentioned I’m reading a book called “The Republic of Pirates” (link to Goodreads review). I also noted a new series on Netflix about pirates - a likely coincidence. I’m halfway through the book and had resisted watching the series, but decided to try an episode. I thought it was an adventure/drama series but it’s a documentary, and the author of the book - Colin Woodward, is one of the main narrators. I’d thought to myself that I should have written down the names of all the pirates because the book bounces around a bit and it’s hard to keep track of who’s who. The series is really just the book, so things have become wonderfully clear. Having only watched one episode I noticed many passages taken directly from the pages. I don’t want to get ahead of my reading so will try to resist. Housecoat/kimono is ready for pickup, add $35. Palm Sunday 28th A nice spring morning as I write. The rain is gently falling. There seemed to be a lot of people out and about Saturday morning, the traffic was unusually heavy. First stop was at the pet store at the corner for some bird seed. There was a four foot python in an aquarium at the counter - very cool. Next was the Windsor Hobby Shop where I picked up some paint. It was also busy. It’s been up for sale for a few months, but there seems to be more stock (models on the shelves) than ever before. Then it was over to the tailor’s where I picked up the housecoat, that project is finished (it is what it is). Finally on my way back I stopped at a Giant Tiger and bought a new toaster. The one we have is on its last legs - burning the toast and toasting unevenly - yes the toaster is toast. Made some lunch and had a nap. Then an early walk, and then took a blower to clear the driveway and sidewalk of tree bud debris. Then when I went to fill the bird feeder with the new food, I found the container we kept the food in was full of gunk. The bottom third of which was the cheap feed (which most birds don’t like) had turned to mush. I had to clean the old food out with a hand trowel, wash it thoroughly and then dry it. Filled the feeder and packed away the balance. Happy to report that I finally got the Bluetooth on the TV to work. The Hisense TV is good but the sound could be better. Now it is. Monday 29th Yesterday when I was young….oh so tired yesterday. Napped more than usual. It was cold outside, sunny but windy. I didn’t go for a walk because I knew I needed to wear a hat and gloves. So I read, and watched some TV. Sometimes I have these thoughts that covid is a mass event we have created to change our way of being. We will not all change the same way or to the same extent, but we will all change. We need to prepare for an even greater change that is coming - climate change. This may just be a dress rehearsal. It may be that the rich and powerful will have to make sacrifices that they are currently unwilling to do. And this included the rich and powerful nations. It’s almost like the race has no interest in a peaceful existence where there is enough for all - food, shelter, health care, peace, freedom - that would be boring. There might be truth in this. Everything runs out...we all run out of time. So make an effort to get in those things you really want - explore, experiment, take chances, create, love. On the early morning of a full moon when the sky is clear the shadow of a tree branch dances on the wall Whispering secrets of the universe and life itself ![]() Tuesday 30th Almost done! Yesterday I picked up some CBD oil for Dad’s hands and a bottle for my hands. It does work. Then up to Long and McQuade (music store) to pick up the new keyboard I ordered, then over to Home Depot for some wood. The keyboard plugged in via a USB and worked perfectly from the get go. Early experiments seem to show it records on cue without a problem - something I’ve never been able to do. Could not help myself and did a quick painting 24 x 24. Read my book, almost done but might fall a few days over the end of month target. Went for a walk, watched the last episode of New Amsterdam (a medical drama) Season 1 has 22 episodes, Season 2 has 18, Season 3 has 10 and they have announced there will be seasons 4 and 5. Season 3 may show up on Netflix sometime in the fall. Corny but good. (Watch trailer here) Today we have Jen and Lynda. Weather holding and the ice on Lake Nipissing is beginning to melt, a good 5 weeks ahead of normal. The trial of Derek Chauvin - the cop who killed George Floyd, has begun. Wednesday 31st The end of the month - I made it, and it you did, thanks. Looks like we are heading back into lock-down and rumour has it for 28 days. That will push my show well back into May - so be it. I spent two days making easels. Not all day, construction for about 2+ hours each day, and then painted them all in one go. Just need to add some chain to keep the back support from falling out. April 1st - Fools Day found us with snow on the ground! Take care be well.
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A Month of Covid and too Much Information This will be a long and perhaps boring read. I created it as a covid exercise - to remember my daily living and thoughts during this time. ![]() March 1 The Morning Routine The weather has been very warm. Yesterday I took a picture of a small yellow flower in bloom. I go to bed between 11 and 11:30 after watching some TV or reading. I read real books, I’m not yet reading on a device. I fall asleep quickly. I have been sleeping through till about 5 and remember many dreams. I lay quietly for about 45 minutes then get up, fix my bed (not make it) go downstairs and adjust the heat in the house - from 68F to 72. I should get a programmable thermostat. I make coffee, 6 cups in the machine but that really only equates to maybe 3 as we drink it. While waiting for the coffee to brew I will run the water in the kitchen as the pipes run along an outside wall and it takes quite a while to get hot. While that is happening I go and get the reservoir for the mister for the orchids. By the time I return the water is hot and I fill the mister. I put hot water in my empty coffee cup to warm it up. I return to the orchid room and have a look at how they are doing. I pour my coffee and bring it and part of the Globe and Mail (the obituaries - everyone should make it a habit to read obituaries) back to bed. I check the internet - my mail, Facebook, stock market “premarket” (on this day the premarket shows the Dow up 340 and Nasdaq 170 - which is big) to see where the day is headed - though it’s not always indicative. Today we have Jen from Amy’s Helping Hands, who will arrive at 9. At 7:00 I go into Mum and Dad’s room and shut their window. Mum likes to sleep in the cold, Dad hates it. I also turn up their heat. They sleep in a 1970’s addition to the house which has its own electric heat. I hate waking to a cold room, you don’t want to get out of your warm nest. Most days (too often) I will go into the basement for a shower around 7:30. Before getting in, I make a second pot, even though there is still one portion left. If I made 8 cups at 6, the coffee would not be hot and fresh for them. I shower probably too often (almost everyday) and it dries out my skin - but it feels good. There is no Windsor Star on Monday’s (demise of the newspaper business) so I will bring them Saturday’s Globe and Mail - Mum probably has not finished it. Dad can read the same thing over and over and never remember what he read. Actually he has pretty much stopped reading. The type in the Globe changed about a year ago - it’s very small and hard to see. Having delivered their coffee by 8, they have an hour to wake up before Jen arrives. I leave the front door open for Jen so she doesn’t have to knock and me answer. She arrives wearing a mask at all times, and starts her routine. We must (apparently) have her for a minimum of 8 hours a week - 2 hours Monday - Thursday. Her primary task is to dress Dad, help Mum dress, make the bed, get them downstairs and make them brunch - almost always a poached egg on toast. It does make meals a little difficult as they do not get hungry for lunch - they are adjusting to just two meals a day. Jen stays till 11. Early on we needed to find things for her to do. She will empty the dishwasher and do a load of laundry. She changes the linen on Tuesdays. When she started, Mum had her arranging closets, but we were all organized after about two weeks. As I look out across my day, I think of what I will do, Today I have a model plane I’m building, work to do on my art exhibition (signage - there is a lot of it), read (A Likely Story: One Summer with Lillian Hellman, by Rosemary Mahoney), my almost daily walk, maybe compose some music, work on a puzzle, nap. (Will see.) I am in silence till around 8:00, when I turn on Calm Radio and choose some quiet music. If you haven’t tried Calm, you might consider it. Currently I like “Ambient Lounge”. Mid morning: did an hour in the garden, the sun was out, raked leaves and sticks. If this weather holds, and it looks like it will, I will do a bit each day. Daffodils are just showing. There are still some snow piles in the shade. Walked at 3:00 sunny but very cold. Met the Metro lady who walks - we often pass going opposite ways. She grew up on a farm somewhere in Essex county. We talk sometimes when she does my checkout. March 2 - Life after 9:00 Yesterday was an interesting day. Worked on a model, composed some music, etc. Today, Tuesday starts out busy. You know my drill. Sometime between 9:30 and 10, Lynda from the CCAC (Community Care Action Center) will come and give Dad a bath and get him dressed for the day. So there are 4 people in their bedroom - Mum, Dad, Jen and Lynda. Jen will just help Mum today, she will also change the linen and wash the old. Lynda only stays for about 45 minutes, then Jen will make the brunch. I stay out of the way - it’s crowded upstairs and there is a pandemic. Jen and Lynda see a lot more people than we do. We have signed them (Mum and Dad) up for vaccinations which started here yesterday - now waiting for an appointment. Dad has had a few teeth fall out and we are waiting for the go ahead from the dentists for implants - it seems to me they are postponing the work because they might think he is too old (97) - what is the point? He hardly eats as it is and has dementia or Alzheimers. He says things like “Where do the next door neighbours live?” “Have you ever met your offspring?” I’m having a housecoat made from t-shirts from all the Windsor Light Music Theatre shows I’ve worked on. I had a whole drawer full of them and just could not throw them out. The tailor seems to have lost one, so I’m getting a replacement today and will take it over. The price of the garment has gone up significantly due to my request for a lining, but in for a penny. You only remember “this” life, so make some memories! Having ideas for a musical. Market will open down. When I get up and it’s dark, I like to look out the window and see which of the neighbours are up - you can tell by the lights on in their windows. One thing about writing down your routines, you begin to notice them. ![]() Wednesday March 3rd To finish up yesterday. I drove to south Windsor which, from where I live is a long drive, about 10 minutes. If a drive is 20 minutes one seriously reconsiders. When I lived in Toronto I was fairly close to my work, about 45 minutes (one way) if you got an early start (around 7:30). The tailor, as mentioned, needed one more t-shirt which I didn’t have. So I posted on the Windsor Light FB page and one from the show Mamma Mia appeared. Interestingly it was from Marlene Moore, whose husband Roger Moore was one of the driving forces at WLMT. A fine and honourable man, he passed in May 2018 aged 68. His funeral was on my birthday - I was there. I imagined he was saying hi. On my way back I dropped it off at the tailors and paid her the balance due. Day two in the garden as the sun was shining, but not as warm as predicted. Today should be warmer and I will be out again. Different muscles are used while gardening, and I’ve never started so early - is very strange, but the garden may be in very good shape by the time things bloom - if I and the good weather continues. Continued work on the plane (Tomcat) and the music composition. Also working on my musical, which I believe I’m just the vessel through which it’s being poured. I patiently await new installments. (at this rate this post will be a short story!) Today we have just Jen. I have contacted the City of Windsor to apply for an additional arts grant as the Ontario Arts Council grant I received, though generous, does not cover all costs - additional help would be most welcome. We (Mum and I) finished a new 1000 piece puzzle - a painting by AJ Casson, but there was one piece missing. We always have a puzzle on the go and we have a special sun room for this activity, which is also the home of the orchid collection. Mum is 91 and though she can walk, is not really mobile, so her activities are limited - reading, surfing the web, and doing the puzzle are some of the main ones. It’s my job to set up the puzzle - open the box, find all the edge pieces and turn all the others right-side-up. I back off and let her do the edges. I then build the frame and off we go. I usually let her work on it for the first few days until some of the easy stuff is done. When she gets stuck I get things going and then back off again. In the course of doing the puzzle Mum often knocks pieces off the table and I routinely do a search. Alas this missing piece was nowhere to be found. A voice in my head said to check the vacuum cleaner bag. Finally I did just that, and found myself picking through the pile of dust. I’d really reached a point of saying no it’s not here, but something told me to keep digging - and there it was. The weather is crazy gorgeous today. Third day in a row in the garden - doing that instead of my walk. Short sleeve shirt weather. Chores today included getting a new mat for outside the front door, AA batteries, light bulbs, rye and wine. ![]() Thursday March 4 Overcast today so I may not get into the garden. Option is to take a load of books to Roger at Junipers. Also will mail some books to a friend. By putting so much “on paper” as it is, one begins to become a more aware of oneself - try it! Two nights now, waking around 3 and taking at least an hour to get back to sleep. Coincidentally both nights I took two 5 mg tabs of melatonin - mostly because I like the taste - I will experiment with this information. Busy day here - Jen in at 9:00, Brenda is in around 10:00 to clean the house and will stay till 2:00. At 4:00 a man is coming to quote on a new kitchen window. The current window has fogged over because it has rotted out along the bottom. We are thinking of a bay or box window. The market has been down for 2 days and I need to disconnect from that. I watched the movie “Summerland” (view the trailer) the other night. It’s new on Netflix and appears not to be viewed much - not in the top ten list, seems buried deep in the listings. I do recommend it, so much so that I posted it’s trailer on my Facebook page. In last month’s blog post I noted reading a kid’s book and explained a little regarding my collection of the same. This morning in the paper (The Windsor Star) there was a full page dedicated to the Hardy Boys. I think the hobby may be gaining some traction. On the weird scale this one is right up there...the cards are in disarray and so is the market..I play spider solitaire and for the past 3 days the cards have been the worst I’ve ever seen. They coincide with a down market...I will watch. ![]() Friday March 5 To update yesterday. I mailed the books to a friend and used a box which shipped some (missing) model parts from Germany - at least that’s where the emails were from, they might have sent that message to their North American distributor. Anyway, when I walked into the Shoppers Drug Mart to go to the post office it set off the alarm bell. They waved me through. The post office was closed so I turned and left. Again leaving the store the alarm went off, and again they waved me on. I was heading up to see Roger (Roger's last name is Wurdemann - how perfect is that for a bookstore owner) at Juniper Books and knew a Shoppers Post Office was on the way, so headed over to it. Again the alarm set off. The girl at the makeup counter waved me through, but she was cute so I went over to flirt with her, telling her about what had happened. She said their post office was open and if the alarm went off when I left, it was something on me and not the box. I mailed the box but am a little worried - the tape I used came from a sale at Home Hardware and was useless. At other times the post office adds tape, but when I asked the attendant to do that she said “we do not add tape”. I was not going to argue - would not be surprised if it opens. What can one do! Off to see Roger with two small boxes of books. He took many of them and gave me an $80 credit, which I immediately spent $60 on a few sailing adventure books.I also picked up #10 of the Hardy Boys in picture cover format (from the late 50’s) and told him that there are a few of these out there worth $15,000 each (very rare - perhaps the rarest of all Hardy’s). He said that would be fitting because that very day was the 15th anniversary of his opening. Rick came early to sell us the window, which was nice. We ended up with a simple one, not a bay window, half the price. I will note that the weather on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week is predicted to be in the mid 50’s to almost 70F range. (12 - 17C) This is crazy, this is global warming. I’m watching and older medical series called New Amsterdam (name of fictional hospital but modelled and sometimes filmed at Bellevue in New York) Today my trusty HP Chromebook died, or at least I thought it had. It would not boot and it had been acting up for two days. It didn’t owe me anything, I’d had it for about 5 years (maybe six) and I’d redeemed Air Miles to get it. So I ordered a new HP Chromebook (I like them). Then presto, it came back to life. Yet I did not cancel the new one (it has a touch screen) as I'm not sure I trust this machine. Did more gardening today and took a walk. I did not hear back from the city regarding the arts grant (you are asked to contact them first) so I called. I know the person who appears to be the contact - Christopher M - and left two messages, He did not call back. I will try again on Monday as the deadline is approaching. ![]() Saturday March 6 Know I am writing this on Sunday morning. I prefer to write the morning after, though some (and it’s recommended) will complete their diary at the end of the day, but I’m usually too tired to make the effort. Remember - my morning routine does not change much - scripted from waking till around 9:00, though on Friday to Sunday I make my parents breakfast, so the routine stretches till about 10:30. Also empty the dishwasher. (Jen does it Monday- Thursday, she requested it to give her something to do. Often for her last 20 minutes she just reads the paper.) I will also make their bed. Yesterday I had a haircut, the first since probably last October, we couldn’t remember. It’s still long and I’m beginning to see the grey affect the colour. Stephanie owner of LQ Hair Studio (Love and Quarrel), my stylist, took maybe two inches off, more at the back. We did a number two undercut (very short) at my temples. I like it. As the style changes I will extend the undercut right to the back. Steph says when I got in line for hair I went back two more times - it’s quite thick. Was a sunny day but a little cooler but I still spent about 90 minutes in the garden - I’ve been clearing out ivy. I’ve 6 large leave bags full of it in the garage. I’ll have to take them to the municipal recycle depot myself. Dad got his appointment for the covid vaccination, but not Mum. We also heard friends (John and Alice) have the same “issue”. These people are all over 80, why not do them both at the same time? This is a failure of the system. Walter Gretzky (Wayne’s father) died, he was 82. My computer is still acting up. To get into this document I had to open the incognito window, log into Google and open the docs app. When my new Chromebook arrives I will give this one what they call a “powerwash” which is just returning it to the factory settings - all data connected is lost. Now it’s not lost permanently because all the files (on Chromebooks) are stored in the cloud (if that’s where you choose to store them). Presumably with the new computer I will be able to access them all. The Brier has started - Canadian Men’s Curling championships and we do enjoy watching it. There are no fans in the crowd, just cardboard cutouts. ![]() Sunday March 7 - no entry, lucky you! Monday March 8 A quarter way through the month. Yesterday I was back in the garden, more ivy cut out. I’m only out for an hour or so, but it’s still a good workout. The weather for this week is predicted to around 60 and will not drop below 40 for two weeks - very unusual. My computer is still acting up, but I can access this account (Google Docs) through the incognito window - I don’t understand. Waiting for the new one I’ve ordered. Sunday afternoon was very quiet. I did masking (covering areas I don’t want painted) on the model and read. Watched curling and golf. Napped. I split the nail of my middle right finger making their bed. Crazy glue to the rescue. I made a 6 inch gash on my left forearm while working in the garden in short sleeves. I didn’t notice when it happened. Not very deep, but will be a week before the scab is gone. If you are still reading this - bravo! Tuesday 9th So yesterday we got Mum and Dad their covid vaccinations. Our appointment was for 2:00 at the St Clair College Sportsplex, which is a brand new building. We arrived about 1:40 to a rather long line of walkers and wheelchairs stretching a good deal out of the building. The city got lucky. Had this been a typical March day at say -5, with a freezing wind and snow blowing what would they have done? We heard later there were 600 vaccinations given that day, and each person was accompanied by another, plus many had a third as driver - some 1,500 people milling about. As it was it was a record setting almost 60F - really spectacular. The outside line took about 20 minutes to make it indoors. As only one person was allowed in (only Dad had the reservation) Mum went with him to see if she could get her shot. I waited in the car, 1 hour, 2 hours and watched as the parking lot emptied, and the staff left the building. An ambulance showed up and my mind started imagining. Finally they exit - the last two at around 4:30. Mum did get her shot but she had to wait till the very end to see if there was any vaccination left. This is good as we don’t have to go through it again just for her. Their second shot is on April 15, a good 5 weeks away. I did spend more time in the garden, the weather is unbelievable, but I guess you get the idea. Wednesday 10th My Chromebook has well and truly died, so I’m waiting on delivery of a new one. I’m not crazy about blogging on my desktop, so for now you get a break. Thursday 11th Came back from my walk and presto - new Chromebook had arrived! The thing about a Chromebook is you just turn it on and everything you had on your last computer is there, no loading of software or old files is required, everything lives in the cloud. So Wednesday is a blur? Jen was here and at 1:00, Dawn arrived to do their feet. We had her in primarily to get a second opinion on Dad’s feet - it’s difficult to get a doctors appointment when there is nothing (for sure) wrong. Anyway, she said he was fine. Mum had hers done too. I’m applying for an additional grant for my art exhibition from the city. Back in the fall it was not time to apply as the next city grant period was for the spring. But having the show postponed twice I have come around to the spring funding cycle. To be in line for a grant I’ve had to push the show ahead (back?) another few weeks, otherwise it would be underway during the granting process, and they will not grant if that is so. The OAC grant does not cover the full amount and it would be nice to have more for signage and promotion. So back to filling out forms. Spent a bit more time in the garden (missed Tuesday) and will probably get there today. Still warm out, in the mid 60’s. Just about finished “A Likely Story” the book about the girl who worked one summer for the author and playwright Lillian Hellman. One of Hellman’s house guests was Mike Nichols - the famous director, and one day Carly Simon and James Taylor came for tea. I’ve enjoyed this book more than anticipated. Now I will have to read a HIllman book or watch one of her movies. ![]() Friday 12th Watched “The Conversation” a film written, produced and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The plot revolves around a surveillance expert and the moral dilemma he faces when his recordings reveal a potential murder. It won critical acclaim and multiple accolades, including the Grand Prix du Festival International du Film, the highest honor at the 1974 Cannes Film Festival. It was nominated for three Academy Awards in 1974 and lost Best Picture to The Godfather Part II, another Francis Ford Coppola film. In 1995, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". It stars Gene Hackman with supporting roles by Cindy Williams, Harrison Ford, Teri Garr and Robert Duvall. It was Harrison Ford’s third movie and to date his most significant role. His next was Hans Solo. Robert Duvall was really just a cameo. I found it slow. More interesting as a period piece art film. ![]() Finished reading “A Likely Story: One Summer with Lillian Hellman” by Rosemary Mahoney published in 1998 (273 pages). Hellman died in 1989. Mahoney has written 6 books all which are based on her life and experiences. First, who is Lillian Hellman? (FTW) Lillian Florence Hellman (June 20, 1905 – June 30, 1984) was an American playwright, author and screenwriter known for her success on Broadway, as well as her communist sympathies and political activism. She was blacklisted after her appearance before the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) at the height of the anti-communist campaigns of 1947–1952. Although she continued to work on Broadway in the 1950s, her blacklisting by the American film industry caused a drop in her income. Many praised Hellman for refusing to answer questions by HUAC, but others believed, despite her denial, that she had belonged to the Communist Party. As a playwright, Hellman had many successes on Broadway, including Watch on the Rhine, The Autumn Garden, Toys in the Attic, Another Part of the Forest, The Children's Hour and The Little Foxes. She adapted her semi-autobiographical play The Little Foxes into a screenplay, which starred Bette Davis. Hellman became the first female screenwriter to receive an individual Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay in 1943. Hellman was romantically involved with fellow writer and political activist Dashiell Hammett, author of the classic detective novels The Maltese Falcon and The Thin Man, who also was blacklisted for 10 years until his death in 1961. The couple never married. When Mahoney went to work for Hellman (summer of 1978) on Martha’s Vineyard, Hellman would have been 73, six years before her death. The story goes back and forth between Mahoney’s family, (her mother in particular) and her battle and angst working for Hellman. Mahoney was the youngest of 6 kids, her father died (suicide is hinted) when she was 6 and her mother was partially paralized (left side) from childhood polio. Hellman constantly has a cigarette in her mouth and we see several instances of her naked (for some reason). The houseguests who Mahoney waits on are most interesting: Mike Nichols (famous director) Carly Simon, James Taylor to name a few. From the book “I knew that my family offered the one world I truly belonged to, a private constellation I shone rightfully within, regardless of what anyone else thought. They were the people I really knew, the people who knew me. They were the only foundation I had, and it was truer than I realized then that they were the measure against which I judged everyone and everything else.” It’s a Ron day, no Jen and Ron comes a little later, nearer 10, so we get a little respite. ![]() Saturday 13th Yesterday was again unseasonably warm and I was back in the garden. Had Dad sit out in the sun, he may have got a bit too much. Also washed the bay windows, inside and out. Working on a smaller (24 x 24) painting but it’s a struggle, I might have to start over. Fixed 4 ceiling tiles in the basement where the dishwasher had leaked through and stained them. Did a bad job, but it’s in the most difficult spot. Years ago I did the entire ceiling - a dog's breakfast as they say. It’s not a flat ceiling but has many ups and downs. This was done to cover pipes but keep as much height as possible, it looks cool but was a lot of work. Last night I watched Immortal Beloved, a film about Beethoven. Itstars Gary Oldman and Isabella Rossellini. Got me thinking about music - where did the notes come from? Who decided that d comes after c and what would d sound like. Tones are natural progressions? When did we know this? Why are there not an infinite number of C sharps, each slightly different? So there are a limited number of notes in the scale. But with this finite number of notes there are an infinite number of combinations - or tunes (songs). However there are only a finite number of tunes that we like. The early classical composers - like Beethoven - dug them out. Music is magic to the ears, just as art is to the eyes. Then there is the magic of nature - the sounds of the forest and the rain and the sight of a sunset or the autumn leaves. I have not walked the past two days - my exercise has been toiling in the garden. The title of the film comes from a letter found after his death where the world learned of his true love. View film trailer here Applying for the Windsor Arts and Cultural grant requires 3 letters of recommendation. Seems an odd request, but what can one do? I have asked several people, and one so far and submitted. Sunday 14th Always yesterday - my youngest sister Mary arrived (around 4:00) from Markham. Last time she was here was August 2020. At that time she slept in my room, I was at the cottage. She saw mice so slept in her car for three nights. When I got back last summer I caught them all and have not seen any since. I think the neighbourhood cat can take most of the credit. This time she is using the basement room and will stay 2 nights. We had GarWon Chinese food for dinner and will have the leftovers again tonight - so good. Time to turn the clocks ahead. I raked ⅓ of the front lawn and deep cleaned the bird feeder. The birds are not using it. I will get some new food and see if that makes a difference. Mum and Dad got their vaccinations and now the 60 - 65 year olds. That does not include me - almost 67. And I think in 3 years - 70! Time seems to go by slowly but maybe that’s pandemic time. We watch the Brier and The Players golf tournament. I did my second online “Office Pool” for golf but sent out the notices too late. Will try again next week. Monday 15th Yesterday we were a bit tired. The clocks were set ahead one hour and we had too much (we split a bottle of Kim Crawford) wine. Mary and Peter went to Costco early, then Mary and I went for a walk. The weather was sunny but a little cool. It was a lazy day. Watched curling and golf. Showed Mary my art. It was a chance for her to see how Dad’s dementia has affected him and the rest of us. I suspect there is a little PTSD setting in - being around a person who is no longer in touch with reality - is tiring, taxing on your patience - the constant necessity of remembering he no longer functions normally. To be continued...... |
AuthorI believe we are what we think. What we think depends on what we feed our brains. This is a partial record of what my brain has been eating. Archives
February 2023
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