Dear Pumpkin, Deer Pumpkin

For the past few years, we have taken our pumpkins to the conservation area after Halloween. The deer love pumpkin. This year we took 4 of ours and 2 from a neighbour. We don't carve the pumpkins so there is more for the deer. After walking back and forth from the car to a deer run, we continued with Kaylee for a walk. On the way back we met a fellow with his dog. He was carrying a small pumpkin. I told him it was a lovely pumpkin (it was a Mexican pumpkin which is verigated yellow, orange and green). "Yes," he said, "Someone dumped a bunch of pumpkins down there!" We told him we had put them there for the deer. He was quite surprized that deer would eat them and he wondered how. Of course, they break them up with their hooves. He asked if he could keep the little pumpkin because it was cute. Today, this is all that is left of our offerings.

And Where is Port Dover?

Thank you, Graham, for correcting my faulty geography. Pt Dover is at the mouth of the Lynn River at Lake Erie. Got confused as the highway down is called the Grand River Trail. By the way, Graham, who are you and how did you find this blog?

Port Dover on a Friday, but not the 13th!

Linda's friend had a birthday today. Carllynne is from the west coast so she heads to water for her birthday. We took her to Port Dover today as that is her traditional destination here. Port Dover is on Lake Erie where the Grand River ends. We went for a walk on the short beach and out the pier. There is quite a tribute here for commercial fishers and those lost at sea. The long line of benches are all dedicated to those who perished. It was very sobering. We had a snow squall and then bright sun! Had lunch (I had perch of course as you must in Pt Dover) another walk on the beach and then headed home. Stopped at Hewitt's Dairy for ice cream. The building, I'm sure, hasn't been altered at all since the 1950's. Stools only at the counter that runs the length of the building. I must say it is lovely having the time to just putter around and discover new and old places. I know I've been to Port Dover to the hotel for perch but likely 20 years ago. I also recall a bowling alley in a general store which is now gone. The pins were not knocked down into a pit but they were held by string. Nice to be by the water but again, it's not Huron!!!

For the past few years, I have tried to find something different to do for Christmas as presents with my family. The kids all get loads of gifts and the adults really want for little. Rather than spending on "stuff" I have purchased chickens and a lama. from an organization that gives them to a needy family in a Third World country. They also provide training for the care of the animal or crop that is donated. This year it is a water buffalo in the family's name. It is difficult to find a Canadian run organization, so I have had to go to the US. I did donate to World Vision the first time. I was constantly hounded after my initial donation for further donations until I called them and told them to knock it off. Since then, I found Heifer International. Heifer International does not send me emails or flyers or do any soliciting and, as far as I can tell, there is no religious motivation behind it. They promote gender equality and human rights. Check out their website at:

http://www.heifer.org/

Huron Sunset

This is the main reason I love Lake Huron. The sunsets are amazing. When we went looking for a lot years ago to build on, we would go to the shore and take out a compass. Nope, not west enough! The one we did pick was dead west. Unfortunately, the cottage partnership ended and I had to sell (couldn't afford a buy out). I miss it almost every day.

Weekend with Friends in Southampton, Ont

Had a wonderful weekend in Southampton. Colleagues and friends from years ago got together at Betty's cottage on Lake Huron. It has been twenty years that we've been associated but many of us wandered off to either other schools or other things. Nonetheless, something about our original situation (a very difficult place to teach with very challenging kids and a crazy staff to boot) has made it easy to reconnect. Marg, the original office manager and official keeper of "the diary" gets us off in laughter over things that happened a long time ago. We often don't see each other for months, years but that quickly disappears as the humour starts to flow. Hey, how can you go wrong playing Rummoli (I don't know how to spell that!).
Southampton, Ontario is a lovely town with a great beach and walking it, listening to the waves, seeing the birds, enjoying a sunny mild November day Saturday was terrific. Thank you to my Hawkette friends for the fabulous weekend. Betty - you especially for keeping the place open in the fall!

LCBO - I Said No No No

Went to my interview for Christmas hours at the LCBO this morning. I had to read pages of stuff about what to wear, what to expect etc. It pays $10/hr, no guarantee of # of hours, must be on call, able to lift boxes, work in the warehouse, do cash, stock shelves, janitorial duties and more. So, I figured at $10 minus union dues and with my current rate of taxes that it wasn't worth it.

I then went to Fortino's and talked to the Produce Manager who was also looking for help. He was ready to hire me on the spot. It starts at $8.50/hr, maybe 28 hours per week, union requires 1 or 2 night shifts but the rest of the time the shift would start at 6 am! I don't think so. I'm a bit disappointed but it just isn't worth it. Maybe in 2008 it might make some sense but not this year. Oh well - I'll just have to spend more time with Linda and the dog!