I have never figured out when the count for the twelve days of Christmas actually starts. I should Google it, I suppose, but if THE day is day 1, I can expect my true love to deliver the requisite gaggle, c/w nesting boxes before the sun sets. I suspect that the family of coyotes in the back forty must be getting quite fed up by now, as obviously they got to the partridge, the calling birds, et les poules francaises before I did. Fun times in the spruce forest.
How was your Christmas? Have you noticed that this becomes the conversation starter for us these days? I think it is because climate change has pretty much ruined "cold enough for ya?", among other things. Mine was better than good, also a poignant time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. One year ago, in the throes of treatment, there was scarcely enough energy to get to the table, much less join the feasting. This year, most of the energy is back, along with appetite, and enthusiasm and a newfound sense of making the most of things.
This year, on the second Sunday in Advent, we nearly lost my mom. She is, quite simply, the most remarkable woman I know. At 90 years old, on that Sunday, she drove from her farm, where she lives alone, to church. We had a great visit over coffee afterwards, and made a tentative date to get together to make shortbread later in the week. She spent the day writing Christmas letters to her cousins in England, and visiting with my sister, brother and aunt. And she shoveled the snow off her step and walkway. In the night, she woke with what has turned out to be an aortic aneurysm. That is not a good thing. However, this amazing little lady is resting fairly comfortably in hospital, having defied all the statistics, so far. She has given us the most wonderful Christmas gift of her presence we could have asked for. On Christmas night our visit included a lesson on the history of the British monarchy. Last night she was bemoaning the fact that she hadn't been keeping up with events in the Middle East as well as she should have. My mom is awesome. Awe-inspiring.
Before Mom took ill, my youngest sister had the idea that we should put together a scrapbook of pictures and letters to her, something in the fashion of Bantock's "Griffin and Sabine." (Go ahead, Google it. You know you want to.) My page includes a picture of my dad with me in my classroom, as we made a presentation on our journeys in his homeland, Russia, and another of me with the deliverer of the anticipated birds, etc. It also has the following letter. I love you, Mom. Merry Christmas.
Dear Mom,
Sometime last month, Margie had the wonderful idea that we could pool our efforts and make this album for you. And now that you are in the hospital, it becomes a very precious and poignant opportunity for us. I have a series of "did you know" questions for you that I have never shared as much as I could have over the years. So here you go:
Did you know that I always admired your beauty? If I am to be honest, I have envied it, as well. You always have had beautiful hair, a slender figure and a lovely smile. You still do. I try, on purpose, to make you smile, so I can see it.
Did you know that I have always admired your strength? Frankly, if I'd had to raise the Motley Crew, there would have been fewer of us, as some would have been disposed of over the years. But you managed chores, gardening, household, a shoestring budget, lack of convenient appliances, and all the rest of the daily issues, and you were still an amazing parent. You are still an amazing parent. You have taught, inspired and supported me at every turn. I know that your real passion was books and writing, and to a great degree, you sacrificed that, but at the same time, you shared and instilled it in your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Thank you.
Did you know that I have always admired your capabilities? It wasn't so very long ago that I realized I was still volunteering your services. You could write a poem, make a doll out of a potato and a whistle out of a twig. You could fashion a goblin costume out of who knows what, and bake a great batch of bread. You could teach us a song, make up a story about a little boy falling through a mouse hole, milk a dozen cows and can a winter's worth of fruit. You could make healthy meals, and conserve and reuse practically everything. And I swear, you could teach a stick to read!
Did you know that I have always been in awe of your intellect? How does a person learn and retain, in detail, so much knowledge of literature, history, math, religion, and on, and on? A conversation with you is interesting, stimulating...and humbling. I must study more!
Did you know that I appreciate and wish I could better emulate your generosity of spirit? You manage to make all of your people feel appreciated, loved, and welcome in your life. Without abandoning your own standards, you make us feel worthy. You have a knack for sharing your own thoughts without being judgmental. That is a huge gift, and we are all the beneficiaries.
Did you know that I am so proud of you, Mom? I am grateful to be your daughter, and I love you very much.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
...asking for your support
The Lavesta Area Group, led by Joe Anglin, has been a tireless and vocal force in the questioning of unregulated energy transmission in the province. Recently, the Group filed the following motion to suspend the Western Alberta Transmission Lines hearings to give Premier Redford the necessary time for her government to review and revisit the discussion, a goal both she and Dr. Morton stated in their respective campaigns for leadership of the Alberta Progressive Conservatives.
You are invited to review the motion, and contact your Member of the Legislative Assembly, Dr. Ted Morton, and Premier Redford to express support for the spirit and content therein. Also, we are asking you to forward this site and request to your contacts as well.
Thank you,
Connie
Alberta m m ission
1. Whereas the Governm ent of Alberta by deliberations of its Honourable Ministers in
m otion is m ade hereby to the Alberta Utilities Com m ission, and it is hereby m oved that:
Alberta m such that capacity will fall short of reliability requirem ents
You are invited to review the motion, and contact your Member of the Legislative Assembly, Dr. Ted Morton, and Premier Redford to express support for the spirit and content therein. Also, we are asking you to forward this site and request to your contacts as well.
Thank you,
Connie
IN THE MATTER OF the Alberta m m ission Act, R.S.A. 2000,
c. A-37.2, the Electric Utilities Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. E-5.1 and the Hydro and
Electric Energy Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. H-16;
- and -
IN THE MATTER OF an application filed by AltaLink Managem ent Ltd
for approval of the proposed WESTERN ALBERTA TRANSMISSION LINE
(WATL) referred to as APPLICATION NO. 1607067, PROCEEDING ID 1045
BETWEEN:
THE LAVESTA AREA GROUP
Applicants
- and -
ALTALINK MANAGEMENT LTD
Respondents
Notice of Motion
TAKE NOTICE the applicants, the Lavesta Area Group, hereby bring a m otion
before the Alberta Utilities Com m ission (“AUC” or “Com m ission”) pursuant to
Section 9(1) of the Alberta m m ission Rules of Practice, Rule 001 and
Section 8 of the Alberta Utilities Com m ission Act as follows:
MOTION
Cabinet, have determ ined that the transm ission line or transm ission facility which
purports to be the subject of Application 1607067, and AUC Proceeding 1045, [a.k.a. the
Western Alberta Transm ission Line (“WATL”)] to be critical transm ission infrastructure
AND;
2. Whereas the Governm ent of Alberta by dem ocratic process has elected a new Prem ier
and subsequently appointed and changed its Honourable Ministers in Cabinet, form al
The Com m ission, respectful of the privilege of the Honourable Ministers of the
Crown in Cabinet, adjourn the hearing process identified as Application No.
1607067 Proceeding ID 1045 Sine Die pending clarification of the new policies
affecting Critical Transm ission Infrastructure (CTI)
BACKGROUND
3. The Alberta m s Operator (AESO) has proposed to construct two HVDC
transm ission lines to reinforce the Alberta Interconnected Electricity System (AIES)
between Edm onton and Calgary
cabinet in accordance with, and upon the passage of, the Electric Statues Am endm ent Act
am ended 2009: “Designation of Critical Transm ission Infrastructure” (CTI): paragraph
#1; and the Electric Utilities Act (EUA) “Schedule” Section: 41. 1(1).
4. With regard to the two transm ission lines referenced in paragraph #3 above, the AESO
further proposed to locate the first HVDC line, known as the Western Alberta
Transm ission Line (“WATL” and /or Application No. 1607067 Proceeding ID 1045) in
the west/central portion of the province connecting the Wabam un Lake/Edm onton hub to
the Calgary Eastern Alberta
Transm ission Line (EATL), is proposed to be located on the eastern side of the province,
connecting the Heartland hub northeast of Edm onton
REASON FOR A REQUEST FOR ADJOURNMENT
5. The Honourable Prem ier, Alison Redford, and the Honourable Minister of Energy, Dr.
Ted Morton, both cam paigned on, and publically declared that they fully intend to am end
existing policies, including the AESO’s proposal, referred to in paragraph #3 above, to
reflect the approval of only a single N-S transm ission line upgrade, if it is deem ed
necessary, between Calgary and Edm onton
6. Given the newly elected Prem ier’s inclination to follow through on cam paign prom ises, a reasonable and prudent person can, and should, conclude that a policy change is im m inent relative to the AESO’s WATL and EATL proposals, referred to in paragraph
#4 above.
7. I respectfully subm it, the Alberta Utilities Com m ission, board proper, should adopt the
precautionary m axim of a reasonable and prudent person, and adjourn the Western
Alberta Transm ission Line (WATL) hearings Sine Die pending policy clarification from
the newly elected Prem ier, and the newly appointed cabinet for the following three
reasons:
a) An im m inent policy change of the m agnitude described, in paragraph #5 above,
significantly raises the possibility of rendering the WATL hearing process m oot. I
respectfully subm it, policy clarification should be the highest and only priority for
the Com m ission at this tim e before expending any additional resources on a
WATL hearing process.
b) An im m inent policy change of the m agnitude described, in paragraphs #5 above,
renders the Western Alberta Transm ission Line (WATL) technically deficient and
inapplicable. AESO’s 2009 Long-Term Transm ission System s Plan (LTTP page
#37), attached as exhibit #1, confirm s this assessm ent wherein it states, “The first
line alone cannot be fully utilized without the second line being in service as the
loss of the first line would create too large of a contingency on the system .”
c) An im m inent policy change of the m agnitude described, in paragraph #5 above,
creates an im m ediate conflict for all law firm s and legal counsels representing
clients in both the WATL and EATL proceedings. Presum ably a policy change of
this m agnitude places the WATL in direct conflict with the EATL.
8. I respectfully subm it the first line referenced in the 2009 Long-Term Transm ission
System s Plan, (LTTP page #37), attached as exhibit #1 to this m otion, is the AESO’s
WATL proposal (a.k.a. Application No. 1607067 Proceeding ID 1045). The contingency
forewarned is the result of potentially exacerbating an already identified im balance of the
east/west attributes of the AIES to accom m odate load flows. Stated another way the
WATL option requires a second HVDC transm ission line in the east to achieve full
utilization. An EATL option does not require a second HVDC transm ission line in the
west to achieve full utilization.
9. Purportedly the new Prem ier and Energy Minister have the com petency and capacity to
understand that the Alberta Interconnected Electricity System (AIES) can be upgraded, if
it is determ ined that the AIES needs to be enhanced or upgraded, econom ically and
efficiently with the strategic placem ent on one transm ission line.
10. An im m inent policy change of the m agnitude described, in paragraph #5 elim inates the WATL (a.k.a. Application No. 1607067 Proceeding ID 1045) from consideration due to its inability to be consistent with a single transm ission line solution.
ALL OF WHICH IS RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED ON BEHALF OF THE LAVESTA AREA GROUP
THIS 17TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2011
<Original signed by>
Joseph V. Anglin
Lavesta Area Group Chairm an
4.0 LONG-TERM TRANSMISSION SYSTEM PLAN PAGE 37
AESO LONG-TERM TRANSMISSION SYSTEM PLAN 2009
4.3 Edm onton to Calgary m ission system reinforcem ents
4.3.1 Overview
The existing transm ission system to deliver power from the Edm onton to Calgary
on six 240 kV transm ission lines in the Edm onton to Red Deer
between Red Deer and Calgary
aggregate capacity, but the m ajority of the capacity is provided by 240 kV lines. The Edm onton
to Calgary m has not been upgraded in over 20 years. Load growth in southern and central
by 2014.
Reinforcem ent of the transm ission system between the Edm onton and Calgary
needed to:
_ avoid reliability issues for consum ers in south and central Alberta
_ im prove the efficiency of the transm ission system .
_ restore the capacity of existing interties.
_ avoid congestion, which prevents the m arket from achieving a fully com petitive outcom e.
Transm ission constraints and congestion also slow developm ent of new com petitive generation
in the Edm onton
Meeting the long-term capacity requirem ent for the Edm onton to Calgary m ponent of
the bulk system using high capacity HVDC transm ission lines m akes m ost efficient use of
rights-of-way and m inim izes land-use im pacts.
While a num ber of factors and conditions are considered in m aking this technology choice,
including consultation, econom ics and efficiency, a priority is given to m inim izing land-use
im pacts in support of governm ent policy as presented in the Provincial Energy Strategy.
Given all of the conditions noted in Section 4.2, two HVDC high capacity lines are planned as
soon as possible. Analysis indicates the preferred orientation of these lines is for one line on the
west/central portion of the province connecting the existing Wabam un Lake/Edm onton hub to
the Calgary
province, connecting the Heartland hub northeast of Edm onton
Construction of both lines substantially increases the usable capacity of the first line. The first
line alone cannot be fully utilized without the second line being in service as the loss of the first
line would create too large of a contingency on the system . Construction of these lines sends
a positive and concrete signal to consum ers and generation developers that transm ission
capacity will be in place to deliver future generation to m arket and reliably m eet the electricity
needs of consum ers in central and southern Alberta
Construction of both lines substantially increases the usable capacity of the first line. The first
line alone cannot be fully utilized without the second line being in service as the loss of the first
line would create too large of a contingency on the system . C
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
...On Power and Power Lines. Guest blog by Joe Anglin.
Joe has been a fierce, tireless defender of landowner rights in the face of the combined forces of industry and government. As the secretary of the Lavesta Area Group, which he has led since its formation, I have, by times, been amazed at his tenacity, aghast at his tactical skills, and awed by his willingness to research his topics. I have never been bored!! I am grateful to Joe for letting me post the following food for thought.
Conversation Required
For nearly a decade the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) and AltaLink LLP have gone to great lengths to keep the public out of the conversation about the need for new transmission lines in Alberta. AltaLink went so far as to register as a lobbyist for the passage of Bill-50. Bill-50 subsequently passed as the Electric Statues Amendment Act eliminated the public’s right to question the need for new transmission lines. Now Alison Redford has been elected as our new Premier and the conversation about transmission lines is back. Will Premier Redford restore the public’s right to be part of the conversation?
This is a question that has far reaching implications for all Albertans. Since deregulation of the electricity system Albertans have been gouged by ever increasing [extra charges] on their electricity bills. The extra charges have prompted jokes claiming that it would be cheaper to drive a truck to a local generator, and recharge a series of battery to bring back to the farm, rather than suffer the administrative and transmission charges tacked onto our bills by companies like AltaLink.
All joking aside, the question remains! What do Albertans really need? If we need to upgrade our transmission system, how do we do it for the maximum benefit of Albertans? If we need more electricity in one particular geographic area of the province, what is the best solution? Transmission lines are not always the best solution. Why? Transmission lines only transfer electricity from one location to another. Electricity transmitted from Edmonton to Calgary means that the electricity transmitted is not available for consumption in Edmonton.
The Heartland transmission line project illustrates the problem created by Bill-50. AESO and AltaLink claim a $580 million dollar transmission line is required to increase the amount of electricity in the Heartland. However, for less than half the cost of a transmission line, ($263 million dollars to be exact), Capital Power has proven that it can build a new generator in the Heartland that would actually increase the amount of electricity in the Heartland by 43%.
From the public’s perspective, it is far more prudent to build a generator in the Heartland. For the Premier’s benefit this is a $317 million dollar savings she could use to refund education. However, if it is our primary intention to provide AltaLink with an income, then a transmission line at twice the cost would be more appropriate.
Premier Redford, what say you? Will you restore the public’s right to question the need for new transmission lines? Will you restore the law that requires that we build what is in the best interest for all Albertans? Will you invite the public back into the conversation? After all, the public is paying for these projects. Let us know by your actions: Repeal Bill-50 and void the Heartland hearings. Cancel the scheduled HVDC hearings. Let’s have an informed conversation based on facts and evidence to determine what is best for Albertans.
Joe Anglin
Conversation Required
For nearly a decade the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) and AltaLink LLP have gone to great lengths to keep the public out of the conversation about the need for new transmission lines in Alberta. AltaLink went so far as to register as a lobbyist for the passage of Bill-50. Bill-50 subsequently passed as the Electric Statues Amendment Act eliminated the public’s right to question the need for new transmission lines. Now Alison Redford has been elected as our new Premier and the conversation about transmission lines is back. Will Premier Redford restore the public’s right to be part of the conversation?
This is a question that has far reaching implications for all Albertans. Since deregulation of the electricity system Albertans have been gouged by ever increasing [extra charges] on their electricity bills. The extra charges have prompted jokes claiming that it would be cheaper to drive a truck to a local generator, and recharge a series of battery to bring back to the farm, rather than suffer the administrative and transmission charges tacked onto our bills by companies like AltaLink.
All joking aside, the question remains! What do Albertans really need? If we need to upgrade our transmission system, how do we do it for the maximum benefit of Albertans? If we need more electricity in one particular geographic area of the province, what is the best solution? Transmission lines are not always the best solution. Why? Transmission lines only transfer electricity from one location to another. Electricity transmitted from Edmonton to Calgary means that the electricity transmitted is not available for consumption in Edmonton.
The Heartland transmission line project illustrates the problem created by Bill-50. AESO and AltaLink claim a $580 million dollar transmission line is required to increase the amount of electricity in the Heartland. However, for less than half the cost of a transmission line, ($263 million dollars to be exact), Capital Power has proven that it can build a new generator in the Heartland that would actually increase the amount of electricity in the Heartland by 43%.
From the public’s perspective, it is far more prudent to build a generator in the Heartland. For the Premier’s benefit this is a $317 million dollar savings she could use to refund education. However, if it is our primary intention to provide AltaLink with an income, then a transmission line at twice the cost would be more appropriate.
Premier Redford, what say you? Will you restore the public’s right to question the need for new transmission lines? Will you restore the law that requires that we build what is in the best interest for all Albertans? Will you invite the public back into the conversation? After all, the public is paying for these projects. Let us know by your actions: Repeal Bill-50 and void the Heartland hearings. Cancel the scheduled HVDC hearings. Let’s have an informed conversation based on facts and evidence to determine what is best for Albertans.
Joe Anglin
Saturday, October 1, 2011
...on Alberta PC "Democratic Process"
Last night I received an email from Calgary Fort MLA, Wayne Cao, inviting me to become part of the process of "parliamentary democracy" the PC's think they are undertaking in today's selection of party leader. I don't condemn anyone for buying into this process, but I simply cannot. Here is Wayne's email, and my response, for what it's worth.
On Sep 30, 2011, at 4:05 PM, Wayne Cao wrote:
Ladies/Gentlemen, Friends living in Alberta.. (Those not residents of Alberta, please ignore this..)
For those living in Alberta/Canada, Canadian citizenship, 16 years and older:
Please join our democratic process.
Saturday Oct 1, 9am-7pm - A rare opportunity for you, Canadians in Alberta, to select directly your Premier leading your government.
All you need to do: Get a PC Membership Vote Card ($5) to vote and pick one of the 3 capable qualified persons: Gary Mar, Alison Redford, Doug Horner (in sequence of vote result from the 1st round).
You can get your Vote Card at the voting location in your constituency area.
For more info, contact any candidate or myself me 403-813-4125 wayne.cao@assembly.ab.ca
Where you vote, what, how to vote, website: www.albertapc.ab.ca/admin/contentx/default.cfm?PageId=9870
Thank for helping and sustaining our parliamentary democracy.
Wayne Cao, MLA, Calgary Fort
Wayne,
Thank you for the invitation to join your party to participate in its leadership vote. However, I take exception to the notion that your party is exemplifying parliamentary democracy by this process. Indeed, it points out, to me, the very skewed notion you and your colleagues have about democracy.
Today's vote is for selection of a leader of a party, who would then, coincidentally, become premier. It is the internal work of a party, to be carried out by those who, for reasons of their own, have chosen to support the party. It is a democratic process within the confines of the party.
However, in spite of the arrogant notion that many of your colleagues seem to hold, that the PC party IS Alberta, and contrary to your 40 year grip on the legislature, this is not the case. If actual parliamentary democracy was the rule of the day, I would not be required to pay money or have my name added to a party's data base. The list of "capable, qualified persons" from which to choose would be broader, and therefore more likely to produce such a leader. And the rules of the vote would not have been arbitrarily set by a select group of party insiders.
Albertans would have been properly enumerated, polling stations would have been set up across the province as in a general election, voting rules would have been in accordance with those set by Elections Alberta, and candidates for the premiership would have come from the entire population of the province.
For these reasons, it is difficult not to feel offended by your assertion that this is an exercise in parliamentary democracy. I wish your party well in your selection of leader, and thank you for your invitation, but I will pass up this "rare opportunity". I am working within the Alberta Party, where the concept of democracy remains fresh, vital and accurate.
Regards,
Connie Jensen
On Sep 30, 2011, at 4:05 PM, Wayne Cao
Ladies/Gentlemen, Friends living in Alberta.. (Those not residents of Alberta, please ignore this..)
For those living in Alberta/Canada, Canadian citizenship, 16 years and older:
Please join our democratic process.
Saturday Oct 1, 9am-7pm - A rare opportunity for you, Canadians in Alberta, to select directly your Premier leading your government.
All you need to do: Get a PC Membership Vote Card ($5) to vote and pick one of the 3 capable qualified persons: Gary Mar, Alison Redford, Doug Horner (in sequence of vote result from the 1st round).
You can get your Vote Card at the voting location in your constituency area.
For more info, contact any candidate or myself me 403-813-4125 wayne.cao@assembly.ab.ca
Where you vote, what, how to vote, website: www.albertapc.ab.ca/admin/contentx/default.cfm?PageId=9870
Thank for helping and sustaining our parliamentary democracy.
Wayne Cao, MLA, Calgary Fort
Wayne,
Thank you for the invitation to join your party to participate in its leadership vote. However, I take exception to the notion that your party is exemplifying parliamentary democracy by this process. Indeed, it points out, to me, the very skewed notion you and your colleagues have about democracy.
Today's vote is for selection of a leader of a party, who would then, coincidentally, become premier. It is the internal work of a party, to be carried out by those who, for reasons of their own, have chosen to support the party. It is a democratic process within the confines of the party.
However, in spite of the arrogant notion that many of your colleagues seem to hold, that the PC party IS Alberta, and contrary to your 40 year grip on the legislature, this is not the case. If actual parliamentary democracy was the rule of the day, I would not be required to pay money or have my name added to a party's data base. The list of "capable, qualified persons" from which to choose would be broader, and therefore more likely to produce such a leader. And the rules of the vote would not have been arbitrarily set by a select group of party insiders.
Albertans would have been properly enumerated, polling stations would have been set up across the province as in a general election, voting rules would have been in accordance with those set by Elections Alberta, and candidates for the premiership would have come from the entire population of the province.
For these reasons, it is difficult not to feel offended by your assertion that this is an exercise in parliamentary democracy. I wish your party well in your selection of leader, and thank you for your invitation, but I will pass up this "rare opportunity". I am working within the Alberta Party, where the concept of democracy remains fresh, vital and accurate.
Regards,
Connie Jensen
Thursday, September 22, 2011
...on Dog Days
I guess we are almost a month past what would accurately be called the dog days of this summer, when Sirius, the Dog Star was in his appropriate juxtaposition with the horizon, and the days were hot and languid. I don't know where, or what time Sirius makes his appearance now, at equinox, but the days have been so gloriously rich and warm and lovely that I am convinced we are being compensated for July.
Here in the spruce forest, we know about dog days. Languid? Let me tell you. A good book, a glass of red wine, a slice of Havarti on rye and a ripe pear out on the west deck. Not a sound except the slight dry rustle of leaves as a breeze dances past; a few busy butterflies gathering...well, gathering whatever butterflies gather on the west deck. Eat your hearts out, people. Way to go, Sirius. Keep up the good work.
Our dog, Whoopie, is loving the dog days too. Or she was, until this morning. Whoopie is an exceptionally clever and entertaining friend. She was rescued from an SPCA shelter in Lethbridge about seven years ago when the man of my dreams was doing log restoration work at Fort Whoop-Up. Hence, her name. She made the long drive home with him and was presented to me on my birthday -- a terrified, rain-soaked bundle of soggy fur, with a tail of lethal proportion.
Our spruce forest is perfect for her. She has an endless supply of sticks for us to throw, that matches her endless supply of energy for retrieving them. Sadly, it surpasses our supply of energy for throwing them. She has taught herself to howl, so that she can sing with the coyotes at night...all night...every night. She is the sworn enemy of the squirrels, Canada Jays, and chickadees, who get their kicks teasing her at her food dish, where she becomes the bristling epitome of indignation and rage...but she has yet to sink her teeth into her foe. She is a comedian with kind eyes, and a happy smile.
All in all, Whoopie is a joyful, busy, and delightful pet. And did I mention that she is really smart? She really is, but she has a reckless streak in her. She loves to play tag with the tractor or the lawn mower, barking like a fiend and racing laps around us when we are cutting. And she has yet to figure out that she should not be getting up close and personal with a porcupine. She has been given that lesson at least once every year since she came to live here. This morning, she had the refresher course. Not a pleasant event for anyone, but forgotten almost as soon as the last quill was extracted.
Right now, I am listening to a squirrel explaining to her that she is not welcome under his tree. My guess is that she will take her nap there.
It is too perfect in my world to write about politics today. Happy dog days to you all!
Here in the spruce forest, we know about dog days. Languid? Let me tell you. A good book, a glass of red wine, a slice of Havarti on rye and a ripe pear out on the west deck. Not a sound except the slight dry rustle of leaves as a breeze dances past; a few busy butterflies gathering...well, gathering whatever butterflies gather on the west deck. Eat your hearts out, people. Way to go, Sirius. Keep up the good work.
Our dog, Whoopie, is loving the dog days too. Or she was, until this morning. Whoopie is an exceptionally clever and entertaining friend. She was rescued from an SPCA shelter in Lethbridge about seven years ago when the man of my dreams was doing log restoration work at Fort Whoop-Up. Hence, her name. She made the long drive home with him and was presented to me on my birthday -- a terrified, rain-soaked bundle of soggy fur, with a tail of lethal proportion.
Our spruce forest is perfect for her. She has an endless supply of sticks for us to throw, that matches her endless supply of energy for retrieving them. Sadly, it surpasses our supply of energy for throwing them. She has taught herself to howl, so that she can sing with the coyotes at night...all night...every night. She is the sworn enemy of the squirrels, Canada Jays, and chickadees, who get their kicks teasing her at her food dish, where she becomes the bristling epitome of indignation and rage...but she has yet to sink her teeth into her foe. She is a comedian with kind eyes, and a happy smile.
All in all, Whoopie is a joyful, busy, and delightful pet. And did I mention that she is really smart? She really is, but she has a reckless streak in her. She loves to play tag with the tractor or the lawn mower, barking like a fiend and racing laps around us when we are cutting. And she has yet to figure out that she should not be getting up close and personal with a porcupine. She has been given that lesson at least once every year since she came to live here. This morning, she had the refresher course. Not a pleasant event for anyone, but forgotten almost as soon as the last quill was extracted.
Right now, I am listening to a squirrel explaining to her that she is not welcome under his tree. My guess is that she will take her nap there.
It is too perfect in my world to write about politics today. Happy dog days to you all!
Monday, August 29, 2011
On Wild Pink Yonder, community, cure and cause...
I don't know a lot about the organization, except that it involves a wagon train, horses and the pink ribbon breast cancer campaign, but last year I became aware of Wild Pink Yonder for the first time, when their route took them through my home town of Rimbey. Folks really got involved: town council made promises, residents rolled up their sleeves, businesses poured out their civic pride for all to see,
I've always been really proud of my home town and I cherish my history there, but as flower pots, store fronts, lawn ornaments and curbs began to bloom pink, I did begin to wonder where it would end. I mean, really! Three mega-sized pink ribbons painted onto the full east wall of the local feed store? The massive gates to the rodeo grounds, painted pink?
This year, another small town has picked up the torch. Breton, about forty miles north of Rimbey, has turned pink. Now, I have never lived in Breton, but I go there occasionally. My overwhelming impression of this fine little town has always been the friendliness of the people. It may be a town by-law that you must make eye contact and smile at everyone you meet, you must discuss the freshness of the grocery produce in the local supermarket with complete strangers, because really, who is a stranger?
So it can really be no surprise that Breton has turned pink. Pink plastic wraps the power poles, pink painted ribbons adorn the streets, pink banners festoon the store fronts, one family has painted their antique walking plow...pink. And that is just the beginning. Pink petunias, pink tissue, pink, pink. And the most massive pink bra on a vacant lot, made from hay bales and PVC pipe!
As a breast cancer patient (just waiting for the chance to use the word survivor), I am strangely touched by this spectacular demonstration. It is a mixture of thoughts: does someone in the organization have the pink paint concession? The focus on early detection and improved treatment has likely made the best kind of difference for me. Fond admiration for the work my friend Liza does to try to raise a similar profile for ovarian cancer (I would just love to see that depicted with hay bales and PVC pipe). The enhancement of an incredible sense of community in towns where that sense is pretty incredible, already. The sense of fun that surrounds the Wild Pink Yonder's project. The feeling of connectedness with others afflicted with breast cancer. And gratitude.
But now, here comes my soap box -- paint it pink if you wish. If we can run for the cure, paint a curb for the cure, plant a peony for the cure with this kind of impact, what are we doing about the cause? Where is the medical priority, the community will, and the government support for identifying and dealing with the causes of cancer? All the causes, for all kinds of cancer. Because frankly, my friends, even though it could have been a lot worse, I would not wish this year of "curing" on even the worst of you.
I've always been really proud of my home town and I cherish my history there, but as flower pots, store fronts, lawn ornaments and curbs began to bloom pink, I did begin to wonder where it would end. I mean, really! Three mega-sized pink ribbons painted onto the full east wall of the local feed store? The massive gates to the rodeo grounds, painted pink?
This year, another small town has picked up the torch. Breton, about forty miles north of Rimbey, has turned pink. Now, I have never lived in Breton, but I go there occasionally. My overwhelming impression of this fine little town has always been the friendliness of the people. It may be a town by-law that you must make eye contact and smile at everyone you meet, you must discuss the freshness of the grocery produce in the local supermarket with complete strangers, because really, who is a stranger?
So it can really be no surprise that Breton has turned pink. Pink plastic wraps the power poles, pink painted ribbons adorn the streets, pink banners festoon the store fronts, one family has painted their antique walking plow...pink. And that is just the beginning. Pink petunias, pink tissue, pink, pink. And the most massive pink bra on a vacant lot, made from hay bales and PVC pipe!
As a breast cancer patient (just waiting for the chance to use the word survivor), I am strangely touched by this spectacular demonstration. It is a mixture of thoughts: does someone in the organization have the pink paint concession? The focus on early detection and improved treatment has likely made the best kind of difference for me. Fond admiration for the work my friend Liza does to try to raise a similar profile for ovarian cancer (I would just love to see that depicted with hay bales and PVC pipe). The enhancement of an incredible sense of community in towns where that sense is pretty incredible, already. The sense of fun that surrounds the Wild Pink Yonder's project. The feeling of connectedness with others afflicted with breast cancer. And gratitude.
But now, here comes my soap box -- paint it pink if you wish. If we can run for the cure, paint a curb for the cure, plant a peony for the cure with this kind of impact, what are we doing about the cause? Where is the medical priority, the community will, and the government support for identifying and dealing with the causes of cancer? All the causes, for all kinds of cancer. Because frankly, my friends, even though it could have been a lot worse, I would not wish this year of "curing" on even the worst of you.
Friday, August 12, 2011
On bathroom doors, wells and whiskey...
I don't know if it's true, but recently I saw a facebook post that PM Harper had a rough experience with a bathroom door on his recent trip south. And I read that he didn't handle it very prime ministerially.
This brings to mind my own terrible, horrible, no good, (thank you, Judith Viorst) experience with a very bad day. It was a lovely, sunny afternoon in the spruce forest where I live. The Man of My Dreams, hereafter known as MOMD, was building a badly-needed new cover over the well pit, and he was going to make it fancy with a little raised top that I could use as a potting table. The new cover was at my bidding. The fancy part was MOMD's idea.
Since I had asked (okay, nagged) for him to do this work, I thought it would be a nice idea to offer to help out in some way. Realizing my limited talents, MOMD set me to taking off the hardware from an old school bathroom door. Don't ask. Just understand that MOMD's father used to go to a lot of auction sales.
I set up in the yard and got busy with a screw driver. Not ten meters from me, MOMD was also busy with a power saw and hammer. As I recall, I paused to gaze lovingly at his back, causing me to lose my grip on my door. Causing the door to slip and fall on me, trapping me on the grass. Do you remember how heavy school bathroom doors are? I could not move.
I struggled briefly, to no avail. Then I hollered, "Help, MOMD, I am trapped by a bathroom door and can't move!" (or something like that), also to no avail. MOMD's back was to me and he was using his power saw. So I just kept hollering until he put the saw down, heard me and rescued me. My hero.
Once freed, I decided that I was finished with bathroom doors, and would go over to watch the well top construction project, which seemed to be coming along beautifully, with little pickets already in place along one side. As I recall, it started to go badly when MOMD paused in his work to gaze lovingly at me, causing him to lose his balance at the edge of the well pit. Causing him to slip into the pit, and soak himself to his waist. Fortunately, I was there to fish him out. Catch of the day! But did it end there? Oh, don't be silly.
Dried off, and back to his project, MOMD needed some help to hold a board level while he nailed it in place. Glad to be of service, I held said board. Now pause a moment, and ask yourself, as I did back then, why a man who has worked as a carpenter all these years and who has an impressive collection of carpenter's tools, would be using a ball-pein hammer to put a nail into a board.
Reading my thoughts, MOMD said, "nice little finishing hammer, isn't it?" Causing him to lose concentration. Causing him to hit the wrong nail, aka his thumb nail. And causing him to curse impressively in three languages and hurl the offending hammer right through the middle of the board I was holding.
This was not a moment to be disturbed with comment. I calmly put down the two pieces of broken board, went into the house and poured two glasses of whiskey. I added a little ice, and MOMD and I spent the rest of the afternoon chatting on the deck.
Reflecting on this day of disasters, I think it would be good for our country if our prime minister would take up drinking a little whiskey now and again.
This brings to mind my own terrible, horrible, no good, (thank you, Judith Viorst) experience with a very bad day. It was a lovely, sunny afternoon in the spruce forest where I live. The Man of My Dreams, hereafter known as MOMD, was building a badly-needed new cover over the well pit, and he was going to make it fancy with a little raised top that I could use as a potting table. The new cover was at my bidding. The fancy part was MOMD's idea.
Since I had asked (okay, nagged) for him to do this work, I thought it would be a nice idea to offer to help out in some way. Realizing my limited talents, MOMD set me to taking off the hardware from an old school bathroom door. Don't ask. Just understand that MOMD's father used to go to a lot of auction sales.
I set up in the yard and got busy with a screw driver. Not ten meters from me, MOMD was also busy with a power saw and hammer. As I recall, I paused to gaze lovingly at his back, causing me to lose my grip on my door. Causing the door to slip and fall on me, trapping me on the grass. Do you remember how heavy school bathroom doors are? I could not move.
I struggled briefly, to no avail. Then I hollered, "Help, MOMD, I am trapped by a bathroom door and can't move!" (or something like that), also to no avail. MOMD's back was to me and he was using his power saw. So I just kept hollering until he put the saw down, heard me and rescued me. My hero.
Once freed, I decided that I was finished with bathroom doors, and would go over to watch the well top construction project, which seemed to be coming along beautifully, with little pickets already in place along one side. As I recall, it started to go badly when MOMD paused in his work to gaze lovingly at me, causing him to lose his balance at the edge of the well pit. Causing him to slip into the pit, and soak himself to his waist. Fortunately, I was there to fish him out. Catch of the day! But did it end there? Oh, don't be silly.
Dried off, and back to his project, MOMD needed some help to hold a board level while he nailed it in place. Glad to be of service, I held said board. Now pause a moment, and ask yourself, as I did back then, why a man who has worked as a carpenter all these years and who has an impressive collection of carpenter's tools, would be using a ball-pein hammer to put a nail into a board.
Reading my thoughts, MOMD said, "nice little finishing hammer, isn't it?" Causing him to lose concentration. Causing him to hit the wrong nail, aka his thumb nail. And causing him to curse impressively in three languages and hurl the offending hammer right through the middle of the board I was holding.
This was not a moment to be disturbed with comment. I calmly put down the two pieces of broken board, went into the house and poured two glasses of whiskey. I added a little ice, and MOMD and I spent the rest of the afternoon chatting on the deck.
Reflecting on this day of disasters, I think it would be good for our country if our prime minister would take up drinking a little whiskey now and again.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
On political geeks, quads and being almost old
My family calls me a political geek. I like to talk about politics. I take it as my responsibility as a citizen of this province to be informed and active, politically. I recognize that in my constituency, (where it takes little more than a job in the "patch," a four-wheel-drive pick-up truck and a quad to keep an entire culture from looking at, thinking about, talking about and doing anything about politics), I am an anomaly. I guess I should have bought a quad, but now I think I'm too old for that.
Yesterday I attended a provincial Board meeting of the Alberta Party, where I've enjoyed getting my political fix for the past few years, as the secretary. I believe the Alberta Party is Alberta's political fix. Some of the brightest and best minds I have ever encountered have come together to engage Albertans and to bring a better future to this province.
After the meeting I followed a half dozen of them downtown. (I thought we were going for a beer - another great Alberta pastime, more popularly associated with quadding, but that is another blog topic.). We wound up next door to the lounge in one of the oldest buildings in Lacombe, eating wraps and drinking smoothies.
As the political conversation(s) at the table swirled around me, I took in my surroundings. The old bay windows, the original ceiling. Metal, perhaps, now painted white. The new, aggressive pink and green paint on the walls. Modern and old, great juxtaposition. I recalled buying some pretty nice clothing in this building in a previous metamorphosis.
At my table there was an interesting juxtaposition, as well. Me, rural, female, and almost old. They, urban, male and almost young. A small sample of the diversity of Albertans who have come together to articulate the present realities and future possibilities of our shared space. I felt welcome at the table. That's how it is in the Alberta Party.
Yesterday I attended a provincial Board meeting of the Alberta Party, where I've enjoyed getting my political fix for the past few years, as the secretary. I believe the Alberta Party is Alberta's political fix. Some of the brightest and best minds I have ever encountered have come together to engage Albertans and to bring a better future to this province.
After the meeting I followed a half dozen of them downtown. (I thought we were going for a beer - another great Alberta pastime, more popularly associated with quadding, but that is another blog topic.). We wound up next door to the lounge in one of the oldest buildings in Lacombe, eating wraps and drinking smoothies.
As the political conversation(s) at the table swirled around me, I took in my surroundings. The old bay windows, the original ceiling. Metal, perhaps, now painted white. The new, aggressive pink and green paint on the walls. Modern and old, great juxtaposition. I recalled buying some pretty nice clothing in this building in a previous metamorphosis.
At my table there was an interesting juxtaposition, as well. Me, rural, female, and almost old. They, urban, male and almost young. A small sample of the diversity of Albertans who have come together to articulate the present realities and future possibilities of our shared space. I felt welcome at the table. That's how it is in the Alberta Party.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
On Talking with our mouths full...
I expect we've all been admonished at least once in our lives about the need to swallow first. I know I've been. But ideas come so quickly to mind, and the more gregarious among us have a real struggle to chew and swallow before giving utterance.
I have just been at two consecutive Norwegian tables, where the company was lively, the conversation brisk and animated, and the language virtually unknown to me. As is my habit, I slipped into my default mode of observing, and contemplating. I became aware, at both meals, how often witty rejoinders and spontaneous thoughts are flavored with the spices of a half-chewed dinner. We don't think about it much, we just do it. It's a party, after all.
All of which brings me to Alberta politics, because what could bring one to Alberta politics more certainly than a cup of coffee in the sunshine on a deck overlooking a Norwegian fjord?
Sitting at the Alberta Party table, we tend to ruminate quite a lot before we speak. It's a political party, after all. Our development of message, and direction, based on table conversations with thousands of neighbors and friends is being thoughtfully considered and carefully worded. Despite criticism from a few skeptical observers, we know that good policy, like good food, takes time to prepare.
A serious goal to govern the province respectfully and responsively can only be taken seriously if we don't talk with our mouths full.
I have just been at two consecutive Norwegian tables, where the company was lively, the conversation brisk and animated, and the language virtually unknown to me. As is my habit, I slipped into my default mode of observing, and contemplating. I became aware, at both meals, how often witty rejoinders and spontaneous thoughts are flavored with the spices of a half-chewed dinner. We don't think about it much, we just do it. It's a party, after all.
All of which brings me to Alberta politics, because what could bring one to Alberta politics more certainly than a cup of coffee in the sunshine on a deck overlooking a Norwegian fjord?
Sitting at the Alberta Party table, we tend to ruminate quite a lot before we speak. It's a political party, after all. Our development of message, and direction, based on table conversations with thousands of neighbors and friends is being thoughtfully considered and carefully worded. Despite criticism from a few skeptical observers, we know that good policy, like good food, takes time to prepare.
A serious goal to govern the province respectfully and responsively can only be taken seriously if we don't talk with our mouths full.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
On my mother's bones, my father's hair...
Have you ever analyzed the various features you may have inherited from your parents? It's been a habit of mine most of my life. Perhaps I got it from my Grandad who, when he first beheld his number one grandchild, declared, "She's Diggle from the ankles down, and Polushin from the ankles up!" (Yes, I also inherited interesting surnames.)
My mom couldn't carry a tune in a paper bag. My dad was a fine singer. I don't need a paper bag. My mom is an avid reader and very fine writer with some publishing success. I have published a little. My dad had the sense of silliness and the quick temper. Mom is absent minded and seldom punctual. Both gave me stubbornness, although I like to think of it as strength and purpose. Both gave me their senses of humor. Dad loved to travel, and if I could, I would never unpack my suitcase. Mom loved to garden, and from May to October, my fingernails are never quite clean. Dad's political activism, Mom's sleep patterns, Mom's cooking, Dad's eating, and so it goes....
Both were terrific role models in so many ways. I don't know many people with the kind of integrity and generosity I have always seen in my parents. Of course, this extended into their politics. Both were very progressive thinkers and the circumstances of their times -- immigration, depression, war, farming -- demanded that they live their lives with stringent fiscal responsibility. There was never room in their realm for parsimony or narrow thinking. Treating our neighbors with respect and generosity was a given.
I like to think I have inherited all this, but perhaps it has been more due to the effects of environment than of genetics. I have found precisely these characteristics in the renewed Alberta Party. I wish for all my children exactly the kind of Alberta I envision as possibility through the leadership of this group of incredible pioneers in politics. To me, it is the politics of my people, both past and future.
On a final note, my dad was bald. My mom has osteoporosis. Can't win 'em all.
That's it from here. Go out and hug someone who looks sad.
Have you ever analyzed the various features you may have inherited from your parents? It's been a habit of mine most of my life. Perhaps I got it from my Grandad who, when he first beheld his number one grandchild, declared, "She's Diggle from the ankles down, and Polushin from the ankles up!" (Yes, I also inherited interesting surnames.)
My mom couldn't carry a tune in a paper bag. My dad was a fine singer. I don't need a paper bag. My mom is an avid reader and very fine writer with some publishing success. I have published a little. My dad had the sense of silliness and the quick temper. Mom is absent minded and seldom punctual. Both gave me stubbornness, although I like to think of it as strength and purpose. Both gave me their senses of humor. Dad loved to travel, and if I could, I would never unpack my suitcase. Mom loved to garden, and from May to October, my fingernails are never quite clean. Dad's political activism, Mom's sleep patterns, Mom's cooking, Dad's eating, and so it goes....
Both were terrific role models in so many ways. I don't know many people with the kind of integrity and generosity I have always seen in my parents. Of course, this extended into their politics. Both were very progressive thinkers and the circumstances of their times -- immigration, depression, war, farming -- demanded that they live their lives with stringent fiscal responsibility. There was never room in their realm for parsimony or narrow thinking. Treating our neighbors with respect and generosity was a given.
I like to think I have inherited all this, but perhaps it has been more due to the effects of environment than of genetics. I have found precisely these characteristics in the renewed Alberta Party. I wish for all my children exactly the kind of Alberta I envision as possibility through the leadership of this group of incredible pioneers in politics. To me, it is the politics of my people, both past and future.
On a final note, my dad was bald. My mom has osteoporosis. Can't win 'em all.
That's it from here. Go out and hug someone who looks sad.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
On Cancer, Climenhaga and Irony
On Cancer, Climenhaga and Irony
I have, just this second, become a blogger. Oh my! The irony of my foray into this adventure must be shared. I am sitting in the privately owned imaging centre, with radioactive goo pumping through my system waiting for a MUGA scan to map the activity of my heart. And I have just read David Climenhaga's blog post about "expedited" health care. I am here because I am a breast cancer patient, ten months into a very costly regimen of surgery and treatment, affordable thanks to Alberta Health Services, and the public dollar.
For 62 years, I was hardly a burden to the health care system at all. But a little 2 cm tumor can certainly make up for all that, and more, in a hurry.
I have come to understand a few things this year:
1. Red Deer's Breast Health Clinic is an amazingly efficient and effective system, and has served me to perfection in terms of my care.
2. A cancer diagnosis has brought out the best in the people who matter to me, and to whom I matter.
3. Cancer treatments are not fun, but one can usually rise to the challenge.
4. It doesn't do to dwell on the why's of the past, or the what if's of the future. It does do to explore and follow through on healthy lifestyle choices.
And I have come to recognize that there are some things I shall never understand:
1. Why aren't we going after the causes of cancer with the same vigour we expend searching for the cure? Who would you wish to go through this "cure" process?
2. Why aren't we insisting on finding the real answers to the high cost of our health care system before we settle for a government that would systematically tear it down? I would be penniless, and likely unable to receive all this care had it not been for our "flawed" system.
3. How can anyone in this province stand quietly by and tolerate elected officials who feel more entitled than the rank and file, and who would therefore use their positions to further flaw an already troubled system.
4. Why is my hair coming back straight? Someone promised me curls. And what is with all this grey? Where do I go for a refund?
That's it from here today. Go and hug someone who loves you.
I have, just this second, become a blogger. Oh my! The irony of my foray into this adventure must be shared. I am sitting in the privately owned imaging centre, with radioactive goo pumping through my system waiting for a MUGA scan to map the activity of my heart. And I have just read David Climenhaga's blog post about "expedited" health care. I am here because I am a breast cancer patient, ten months into a very costly regimen of surgery and treatment, affordable thanks to Alberta Health Services, and the public dollar.
For 62 years, I was hardly a burden to the health care system at all. But a little 2 cm tumor can certainly make up for all that, and more, in a hurry.
I have come to understand a few things this year:
1. Red Deer's Breast Health Clinic is an amazingly efficient and effective system, and has served me to perfection in terms of my care.
2. A cancer diagnosis has brought out the best in the people who matter to me, and to whom I matter.
3. Cancer treatments are not fun, but one can usually rise to the challenge.
4. It doesn't do to dwell on the why's of the past, or the what if's of the future. It does do to explore and follow through on healthy lifestyle choices.
And I have come to recognize that there are some things I shall never understand:
1. Why aren't we going after the causes of cancer with the same vigour we expend searching for the cure? Who would you wish to go through this "cure" process?
2. Why aren't we insisting on finding the real answers to the high cost of our health care system before we settle for a government that would systematically tear it down? I would be penniless, and likely unable to receive all this care had it not been for our "flawed" system.
3. How can anyone in this province stand quietly by and tolerate elected officials who feel more entitled than the rank and file, and who would therefore use their positions to further flaw an already troubled system.
4. Why is my hair coming back straight? Someone promised me curls. And what is with all this grey? Where do I go for a refund?
That's it from here today. Go and hug someone who loves you.
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