Views from the Alfred Bog

We are proud supporters of anything to do with wetlands. We are honorary owners of a part of the Alfred bog. It is one of the most peaceful parts of Ontario. The pictures might help in appreciating what a precious resource our protected lands are. Become involved in saving the landscape from endless exploitation at the expense of the environment. We are one of the few owners of land in Eastern Ontario that is still forested and wetland protected. Agri-business is intent on cutting down every tree and hedgerow and polluting all our water with fertilizers and pesticides. So sad... carbon dioxide in the world needs to be reduced to save the planet.

Glenn Gould's perfect piano obsession

Enjoyed reading a book about Glenn Gould entitled A romance on three legs; Glenn's search for the perfect concert grand. The author is Hafner; sorry can't remember her first name but I know she is a writer for the New York Times. The book was a great read and I couldn't wait to buy some of Glenn's recordings. I hope to learn to enjoy music by Arnold Schoenberg.

50th Anniversary of RMC Grauduation 2009

This puppy is in the limelight and enjoying all the attention. My sister couldn't resist the charm of this pleaser. I paid a flying visit to RMC Kingston, my old college, last Wednesday and enjoyed a walkabout the grounds. It was an opportunity to see the place without thousands of others competing for photo opportunities. I am proudly wearing my teeshirt, a memento of our visit.

Sun shines on Glengarry, Ontario

We attended a moving memorial service earlier this month. It was the first time we had sat up in the balcony seats, a bird's eye view for a change. Of course there was a piper who played a lament and the singing of Glengarry My Home. The sun shone brightly on a cemetery that was a blaze of colour with all the flowers at the gravestones.

Just finished reading an article entitled 'The origin of Jarndyce and Jarndyce' by Gary Watt. Professor Watt is a popular law lecturer at the University of Warwick in the UK. The author compares the plot of Bleak House by Charles Dickens to the Grimms' fairy tale of 'Jorinda and Jorindel'. Guess which story has the happy ending? Professor Watt quotes Aristotle who spoke out for the virtue of resisting our personal rights and entitilements. In modern English it is called equity, the true end of justice.

Sunshine Girl and small French Carriage Clock

I am still collecting timepieces and figurines plus other odds and ends at local auctions. The long weekend in Ontario kept me busy. I now have a small Persian rug for the bare floor where I sleep and an oilpainting of an idyllic mountain scene; what Dorothy would describe as chocolate box style. Dinky Doo was the only figurine that came my way. The Abbey is a great place to visit and enjoy a concert or art exhibit at Glen Nevis. The last week has been hot and sunny and thunderstorm free. Bye bye...

Dorothy has been busy painting and sketching...

Dorothy has discovered an art supply shop in Vankleek Hill and is very happy with her purchases. She said, 'They were good value and made in Canada'. For a change it didn't rain and the sunroom is now an art studio. Subjects include an Indian Temple and hollyhocks growing by our patio.

Art Show at Glen Nevis

Gerry Swift invited me to The Abbey for the Arts this afternoon. Here are a couple of his artworks above. I bought two small paintings, one by Gerry and and another by Cristian of Reuben's Muse. Both works of women at the Beauy and Beast exhibit. We try to keep busy. Bye bye