Coming
from a land that seems timeless by comparison, through lack of change in its seasons ... I now live in one that changes constantly, each a careful preparation for the next.Now the leaves have all fallen to the damp ground it is time for covering of a different sort.. this one snow, and by the downward creep of lower temperatures each week, its not far away.
My body hasn't quite caught up with the changes yet and is still working to Southern Hemisphere seasons. Thus, it now thinks this is the time for Summer... suntans, beaches, BBQ's and outdoor living...hmmmm don't think so......
The Canadians have some funny traditions, but they have some very civilized ones too. Take the hard recycle pickups that occur a few times of the year, mostly at the change of seasons. There is one on right now and judging by the ever growing mounds of doors, windows, washers, driers, fridges, stoves etc alongside our roads, its a busy one. Before you rush to the keyboard and tell me that hard rubbish pickups are universal, I'll tell you why the Canadian version is so civilized. Well, because no-one has to go to the tip to offload their old stuff, or worse, dump it out in the forest. Everyone good naturedly accepts that mostly its their neighbors who are picking up their stuff anyway, and if it they don't get around to using it it'll end up back on their pile for the next hard pickup. Its cross between musical chairs and a flea market where everything is free.
Yep, its a great time to go look for that vacuum cleaner piece you can't get anymore, a new cupboard or two, or take your pick of some good windows and doors from the huge array alongside the road. As the day fast approaches when the local authorities will remove all this good stuff, you can see the bargain hunters circling to pick over the gems on display. Nothing is wasted!
Ok, so what don't I want to see next Spring when the snow finally disappears?? I have some old windows I picked up the same way last Spring and they are 'in the way' now as I strive to complete the skirting around the bottom of our home. So, I begin to load them up on my truck to be carted out to the roadside, then I notice it, for the first time.... the wood finish on the inside is in great condition and of a high quality. My guess is Ash or Spruce perhaps. Not that familiar with Canadian timber yet, but I recognize good wood when I see it. Ok, unload the truck and drag them to a less problematic location. Let me tell you these windows are big, double glazed and bloody heavy. After much cursing and struggling I finally got them dragged over to their new spot and bedded down.
Other news is that Raye and I are both working to put up a new website called wildwoodplanet.com.
I am designing and Raye is busy with compiling content. Don't visit the site just yet as there is an 'under construction' page there... however, very soon there will be lots of stuff on plants, herbs, a few new on-line courses, some galleries of scrapbook pages and I'll be putting up my music and related things. Stay tuned and we'll be announcing it soon.
Till then, au revoir!
Col


























































































































