We’re going in search of birds this weekend. I have been hearing Meadowlarks. It looks like it could rain. I’ve stopped looking at the forecast. It could be good, or bad. Like most things it can go either way regardless. With luck we will see some Meadowlarks.
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I looked at one of my old check stubs from the School District. A hundred bucks each cheque went to CUPE 440 – the union. It went to pay and advance apathy, discontent, laziness and sleepy carelessness intent on killing inventive, heartening, truthful labour.
There are many wonderful people stuck in the union. They toil and deliver regardless of being surrounded by the worst workers in Canada who have landed, finally, a job, after many, they could finally be their thoughtless selves. Nowadays, that’s a union’s purpose.
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There is no gold plated pension waiting for Lisa and I. Hopefully the body holds up to keep working. I met a fellow today recently retired. He said he spent the winter sick. I told him that’s what retirement will do for you. He laughed, but neither of us were joking.
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Lisa bought some oil for Willow that is supposed to keep ticks away. It smells like oregano, so much so, I’ve thought about calling Willow ‘Spaghetti’, which would be a good name for a Long Haired Dachshund. The oil must work, because after a day in the bush, there was nary a tick on her while I picked one off my neck. Now I’m wearing the oil and we both smell like pasta sauce.
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It’s tough to say goodbye to winter. It’s a season you can hide and hang out in. The silence, the early dark, where every star shines bright, Orion and his dog Sirius chasing the sisters Pleiades and Hyades across the frozen sky. To be on earth, watching, is both awful and the most amazing gift given.
Carol A. Hand
Beautiful photos and powerful reflections about unions, retirement, and life. I love your final sentence, and hope you share the name of the oil that works for ticks. 🙂 Sending my best wishes, ❤
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underswansea
Thank you Carol! Take care. Bob
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mountaincoward
I’d best get some of that anti-tick oil – I’m always getting covered in them. I have to admit to sprawling around in the undergrowth when I fancy a break though so I suppose I ask for them really. I’d have thought it would smell of citronella – that’s famous for scaring off most biting things…
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underswansea
Hi Carol, I don’t worry about them too much. I have had enough on me and in me. Still, precaution is the best medicine. One thing is for sure, once you find one you think you have more. Take care. Bob
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Julie@frogpondfarm
Super images Bob … good to hear that tick oil is doing the trick! Today is a beautiful autumn day .. wish I could say that I was looking forward to winter 🙂
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underswansea
Hi Julie. Hope you got all the fruit in and made into jam. Bob
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