A longtime rural resident, I use my 60 plus years of life learning to opinionate here and elsewhere on the “interweb” on everything from politics to environmental issues. A believer in reasonable discourse rather than unhelpful attacks I try to give positive input to the blogesphere, so feel free to comment upon rural issues or anything else posted here. But don’t be surprised if you comments get zapped if you are not polite in your replys.

Friday, May 29, 2015

A Teaching Moment?

Re Ontario Elementary and Secondary Strike Threats


Kids, now would be a good time to 'negotiate' changes to how your teacher teaches. Why not tell them you want more control over how much homework is issued, and what the subject is, and tell them you want to hand it in when you feel like it. If you dont get your way tell them you will refuse to answer questions in class and if that does not work you will walk out.
When they tell you that they are the teacher and you are the student and they set the rules, and since most of you have been getting As for years they see no reason to change their teaching methods, remind them that they are the employees and your parents are the employers so refusing to negotiate is not an option.
Perhaps you should also ask for padded seats, larger desks, more field trips (all expenses paid for) and guaranteed As no matter how good or bad your work is.


Just saying!

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

BGOS Greens AGM

The following is presented as a service to my local Greens

The Annual General Meeting of the Bruce-Grey Owen Sound Green Party of Canada Electoral District Association will be held Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 7:00 pm at the Williamsford Mill Book Store & Cafe, 316070 Highway 6, Williamsford, ON.

A new executive is elected at the AGM. Nominations will be taken from the floor for the positions of President (CEO), Chief Financial Officer and other executive positions. The meeting is open to all Green supporters and to the general public. Green Party of Canada memberships will be available and volunteers with Green thoughts are urgently needed to support the party through the coming election and beyond.


For more information: http://www.bgosgreens.ca/


Saturday, May 9, 2015

Birds of Spring

Besides our usual visitors the Downy & Hairy woodpeckers, the Chipping sparrow and an almost unlimited supply of Chickadees the last few days have seen the spring influx of both our summer residents and those passing through to parts north. The Robins of course have been here for some weeks and the Blue Jays and Cardinals are brighter and more vocal this time of year but its good to see the White Throated Sparrow, the White Crowned Sparrow and the Fox Sparrow passing through along with a Yellow Rumped Warbler getting a drink at our pond feature.

White Throated Sparroe

Also seen was our Red Bellied Woodpecker and a brief glimpse of the Pilated Woodpecker although there is lots of evidence of his activity in various decomposing logs around out property. I haven’t yet spotted them but both out House Wren and Song Sparrows are definitely here singing their little hearts out and looking for nesting spots along with the Rose Breasted Grosbeak and the Baltimore Oriole.

We have not been back on our bush trails for a couple of weeks but I know that the Trout Lilly are out and the Trillium’s are showing colour, I am hoping that the much needed rain forecast (after a week of mid summer temperatures) will both give all the flowers the little drink they need and give us a couple of breaks so that we can get back there and enjoy the show.As a bonus I have just seen our Ruby Throated Hummingbird at the feeder just put out yesterday in anticipation of his arrival, what a great week for outdoor enthusiasts.


Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Harpers Mind

This little contribution from a good friend and fellow curmudgeon was recently found in my inbox and lightened my day so I thought I would share it with my readers. Enjoy!

Harpers Mind

Now I know why my people quit
Not because of my fancy beautiful hair
Seems they were talking, advising I
Only to find, minds just not there.

Where oh where has my mind gone
Had it on stage, singing wonderful songs
They had to applaud, payroll I pay
If wishing to work Con...for another day.

All is quiet not, big trial began
No I shant go to court, I the top man..!!
I have people I bought, with your dime
Best hide some cash, for harder times.

Won't be sad, to see this guy go
Like Mulroney his buddy, minds a bit slow
New leader we need, enough screwing around
Lard thunder jases laddy..narry one yet found.

WallyGuy, May 2015