Prorogue this!

If there's one thing that my wife (pictured above) and I agree upon, it's how the arrogance of certain politicians, notably Stephen Harper, makes our collective blood boil. It also takes a lot for us to move beyond griping in front of the TV each night, during the evening news, while downing our mood-altering vegetarian dinners. But his majesty, King Harper, got us off our butts this weekend and we publicly protested his third prorogration of Canada's parliament. We joined about 200 others in the shadow of Newmarket's historic, old town hall, one of the launching points of Mackenzie's 1837 rebellion. We listened to speeches and shouted "Shame!" and "Hear, hear", before marching to the constituency office of Tory MP Lois Brown. Surprise, surprise - Ms. Brown wasn't there. But King Stephen said she would be...that all Conservative MPs would be back in their home ridings, burning the midnight oil and saving the economy. Even her local handlers said she would be in her office. Well, if she was, she must have been on the phone (reporting in to his majesty, perhaps?) because she didn't greet us. I think Linda summed up the experience pretty well by saying the outing was very satisfying and that it was good to see so many others agreeing with us on an important issue. I found it interesting but can't say it was exciting. Actually, I was asleep shortly after supper but it may have been the fresh air and two glasses of Merlot. Now, Linda and I can go back to disagreeing on every thing else. Please comment if you wish.

BtheB

Varied Thrush at Cold Creek

A Varied Thrush showed up at Cold Creek Conservation Area Last week. This is not a rare sighting if you live on Canada's west coast, but it sure is in Ontario. It has stayed around so many people have had a chance to see this lovely bird. The photo (above) was taken by Geoff Simpson who had put out some cracked corn, in the front yard of his house, near the Cold Creek main gate. Thanks to Geoff, this bird has become the the 121st bird added to the Cold Creek Bird Species List. Below is another Geoff Simpson photo, which he took last week, of a Cooper's Hawk, that is a regular visitor to Geoff's place. This attractive raptor had just taken down a Mourning Dove when its image was captured. We all have to eat, right? I'm hoping the Cooper's doesn't get a craving for Varied Thrush before I get a chance to get a picture. So far I haven't had much luck, but tomorrow's another day.
BtheB

Act as if it was impossible to fail

Photo of King City United Church by B. Wallace

My new year's greeting, in the headline above the photograph, was written by Dorothea Brande, American writer of the last century. I am starting 2010 with this thought in mind. I hope it motivates others who read it.