Mainely wet

It was wet in Maine, but then it is April. So a lot of Bananagram was played. I shall post pictures in the next few days. But first I want to tell you about my Border Incident. It was a slow day for the agent when I was crossing back. He pointed out that I didn't look like my passport picture. So I replied: "I shouldn't think so; I've lost 35 pounds." He said that he could stand to lose some weight. (He was pudgy.) So I told him that if he lost 35 pounds he wouldn't look like his picture either and besides his clothes wouldn't fit. Then he noted that I was born in Montreal. Where? His family came from there. We decided that we had lived within blocks of each other. Then I assured him that I didn't have guns, mace, weapons, fireworks, cigarettes, liquor and God knows what else, including merchandise for my business. Then, with a wave, I was off.

Here's a travel video thanks to Joan:

to prorogue or not

Prorogue: to defer the sitting of Parliament. You may get the idea if you click the "Wanted" poster and read the text. It infuriates me that Parliament could simply be cancelled by the whim of the Prime Minister. But listen up sister!  My sister had suggestedyesterday that I go to a nearby demonstration this weekend to voice my rage. But as luck would have it, in this immense country of ours, I read in the paper this morning that the Prime Minister was coming to our town today to announce that his government would help to fund a proposed pool and rink. But where? Then on my way back from the garage I drove by this band of stalwart demonstrators. I turned, parked the car and joined them for a spell. The prime minister was in the building behind them. He had said that Canadians did not care if he prorogued parliament. So I stood waving a sign saying "I care". Cars honked, people waved, thumbs were up.  I am not politically neutral.

cheering section

The cheer leading contingent preceded the torch runner by about five minutes, maybe because they were sponsored by a bank and a soft drink conglomerate. Energetic young people ran through the crowd handing out tambourines with the bank's logo, and mini glowing torches. I got one of those, but a young boy near me missed out, so I handed it on to him. Souvenirs need dusting. Vocal cheers work just fine.

Olympic Torch

A bit dim, I admit my camera was not up to it. But the torch passed by the corner of my street, and I was out there cheering it on. This is my second torch. In 1976 I went with my sons to see it run by in the summer, in the daylight. It was about suppertime, so we picked up a bucket of fried chicken and went and sat on the curb. Then it was serious business. This time it is a time for a fun celebration. It is a people party. We have changed, and changed for the better.

Remembrance Day

Yesterday marked Remembrance Day. It used to be Armistice Day. This photo was taken the day before. You can see the poppy on the man's jacket. Here it is a statutory holiday and hundreds gather at the cenotaph to mark the 11th hour of the 11th month. These are pictures of after the wreathes were all laid.

I can remember standing holding my grandfather's hand at the town cenotaph. He was in the First World War. He had lots of medals. I was very proud. When the service was over he took me to shake the hand of a very old man, Mr. Otter.  I can remember being told not to forget what my grandfather was saying. He told me to look at the old man's medals because they were from the Riel Rebellion. (1885).  As a teenager I met an old Boer War veteran, and now the Second World War veterans are going, including my parents. Sadly we now have more war dead, and the veterans are far younger than me.