Times 10 challenge, Sapphires Short story Options

[JustDaniel]

I also miss the former vibrancy of MM but for a few years enjoyed playing with Larry in the "basement" here before he suddenly also disappeared without explanation, just about the time Sylvia reappeared. So it's been a great joy to be playing here with BOTH of you. I'm so sorry to hear about the situation with your lovely wife, and I certainly feel with you about the operations you have to postpone. In fact tomorrow morning one of my HS classmates is having cataract surgery in Washington State, where the COVID has run rampant. I know he's taking great care. I've sent this link to a number of friends via email and Facebook, but I don't have you on either of them, so here is link I believe you'll find interesting and encouraging re COVID-19 -- an interview with a physician who treats his patients with nebulized budesonide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDSDdwN2Xcg...x_5vnj8JCGi97Lk When you click it, for some reason it starts in the middle. Simply back it up to the beginning to hear the whole interview.

I'll save you the trouble of creating the 10 words by taking 5 of yours and arbitrarily listing 5 more to just keep us moving along. Hope you don't mind.

deLightingly, Daniel *sun*

[JustDaniel]

luxury
attendants
shuffleboard
swimming pool
magician
tablespoon
grilled
soggy
storm
blister

I don't have the luxury of writing from home just now because I don't expect to be home until Friday. I do have attendants here at the rehab wing of the nursing home who bring my food and answer the buzzer when I have some need. However we don't have shuffleboard, there's no swimming pool, and the kitchen staff are definitely no magicians with their food preparation -- although recently they did make an egg salad sandwich with about a tablespoon of egg salad and a grilled cheese sandwich which had almost no cheese and was not grilled, but was burnt, soggy and too hot to eat!

I was hoping that there would be a swimming pool at our house by the time that I got home, but the family members working on it stopped short after their site preparation a couple of days ago to replace the one that had been damaged in a storm. My wife makes no promises about it, but hopes that our son and grandsons will have it completed before I arrive. However, because of the side effects of one of the antibiotics that I must take presently, I will have to wear the most opaque suntan lotion when using the pool, lest my skin blister!

Well... Now the story-telling goes back to you guys, Denis and Sylvia!

tablespoon
grilled
soggy
storm
blister
aftermath
barbeque
dandelion
minivan
stumbled

in Light of all of our problems -- namely snow and cold, oppressive heat and failing eyesight, and recovery from surgeries -- Daniel *sun*

[Rhymer]

The Homecoming.

New Mini Story by Daniel - words to use.

tablespoon
grilled
soggy
storm
blister
aftermath
barbeque
dandelion
minivan
stumbled

The morning dawned. Today I was scheduled to return home and familiar places, for which, of late, I had greatly yearned. Having undergone a replacement operation, I had been assigned to a wing on the rehabilitation centre attached to the orthopaedic hospital. Known as The Care Centre it was situated in a quiet part of the hospital grounds where a sea of Dandelions could be seen, waving to and fro. They had claimed the Soggy area around the Swimming Pool as theirs alone. Growing in the forbidding bleak hospital precincts, they were the only bright aspect to be seen in the so-called, garden area that surrounded the building. Despite a fierce Storm overnight, their bright, yellow bobbing heads were a sight to behold. One that seemed to tell all, they were not cowed by Nature’s angry spats.
Another Aftermath of the storm was the litter of debris, that had fallen from the hospital roof. Broken tiles, and a length of rusty guttering, together with the remnants of a broken skylight - looking akin to a Blister - lay in a tangled heap, next to the Barbeque. Even as I stood contemplating the scene, I was reminded by the sound of a rattling Tablespoon that my final meal at this rehab centre, was being served. On seeing the Grilled concoction the hospital chef called a ‘gourmet’s delight’, I realised it was more than I could stomach, so I slowly Stumbled my way down the hallway to the reception area, to await the Minivan that would take me back home and into the arms of my family. There doubtless, a good, satisfying meal to mark a ‘survivor’s’ return, would be prepared for me. Rhymer.

Blister
Barbeque
Dandelion
Stumbled
Aftermath
Swathes
Roadster
Response
Lantern
Scribe

[JustDaniel]

swathes
dandelion
aftermath
scribe
response
blister
barbeque
stumbled
roadster
lantern

I would strangely miss the swathes of dandelions on the hospital grounds, but it will be great to arrive at home this Friday. I'm still in the aftermath of the two surgeries (April 15 and July 2), replacing all and then part of my right knee joint, but it was wonderful to have the bandage removed at the surgeon's office today and have his records scribed down as a response to their records for me to return to the rehab. I still have to take an additional antibiotic to the one I've taken for several years, the side effect of which is blistering of the skin if exposed to the sun without sunblock, so I'll have to be careful during sessions in our swimming pool or backyard barbeques. I've stumbled on another fact too: I still don't have my Trail Wagon "roadster" to get me around in the yard to do various chores, so I won't have it during the evenings to ride around outside with its little lantern, giving the children a ride. I'm still not sure whether I'll be flying out to Tacoma next month to visit family, but we'll take one day at a time.

deLighting to share in the form form of a "story," Daniel

aftermath
scribe
stumbled
roadster
lantern
flagpole
vegetable garden
flagstones
fire pit
maple tree

[Rhymer]

aftermath
scribe
stumbled
roadster
lantern
flagpole
vegetable garden
flagstones
fire pit
maple tree

The days drag slowly by - impatient am I to leave the rehab centre behind and return to more familiar places. Although my Vegetable Garden had not been planted this year, still I miss walking - perhaps Stumbling is a better word? For in truth, thanks to my damaged knee, it was not walking, but more often by making use of my Roadster ‘walker’ I negotiated the Flagstone path that began at the back door Flagpole, and continued around the edge of the fenced swimming pool. From it I could enjoy old 'familiars' such as the Maple Tree, that cast its shade over the Fire-pit barbeque. At times I’d stop awhile to enjoy the sounds of twitteringf birds in its branches overhead. From its lowest, a Lantern often swings in the evening breeze, from which, beams of ambient light add ambiance to our evening pleasures. Always a reminder that our Shangri-la, is a most enjoyable, relaxing place. Its light allows us to put closure to our day when viewed from my upper bedroom window. More so, on a mid-summer night, when fire -flies flit in abandon, add their flickering lights over the moonlit swimming pool waters. A time when to re;ax and enjoy, before heading to bed and sleep. If one looks closely around the Lantern’s base, they’ll find the poetic words of the Scribe, Thomas Edward Brown - A Garden is a Lovesome Thing - Got Wot, are etched thereon. This favourite poem of mine, adds a moment of truth to my life now I'm retired.
Truly, my return home on Friday cannot come soon enough. Rhymer.

lantern
flagpole
vegetable garden
flagstones
fire pit
maple tree
burning bush
bird bath or fountain
trellis
Squirrels


PS: Hopefully my words will make it easier to continue on by keeping the garden theme going. Perhaps this will give both Sylvia, Daniel and myself, more scope and make it a more interesting and acceptable read? Denis.

[JustDaniel]

vegetable garden
trellis
flagstone
fire pit
lantern
flagpole
burning bush
fountain
maple tree
squirrels

Indeed, our vegetable garden remained untilled this year, and the trellis entrance is bare of any vines, but my son made a standing wooden garden for my wife to plant some vegetables in, plus she purchased a couple of large round plastic planters in which to plant others. Between us, they'll be more ornamental than productive, but we'll see. My Rollator walker works well both on flagstone or the lawn, and I can also roll the large garbage can in which we place paper and cardboard to start fires in the fire pit for evening enjoyment burning fallen tree limbs and cut logs some evenings in the light of the fire and lanterns.

I miss the old flagpole at our property in Bridgeton where we'd lived for 16 years and currently rent out its four apartments. I also miss the burning bush plants along the front walk there and also the fountain at the fish pond that we had to fill in at the foot of the wrap-around porch's back entrance, but here we have a huge maple tree that shades much of the house and the whole area where we often picnic, and where our Pomeranian often chases squirrels when he does not have a huge branch in his mouth. It's a very pleasant place I'm looking forward to come home to tomorrow.

trellis
fire pit
burning bush
fountain
squirrels
robins
oak tree
black cherry trees
apple trees
riding mower

[Rhymer]

New Chapter - Amazing Revelations.

trellis
fire pit
burning bush
fountain
squirrels
robins
oak tree
black cherry trees
apple trees
riding mower.


Seemingly in my advancing age, my wife and I share many memories and present day happenings tha run akin to yours. That we possess a wealth of similarities with your own, beggars belief, with so much in common. 25 years ago in July, we began our unknown but hopefully, lengthy period of retirement. With a dream - a passion if you prefer - to turn a 2 acre wilderness area on which was erected a small bungalow - into a pleasant haven to spend out final days away from the hustle and bustle of life we had known for so long. Your retirement haven appears - maybe on a smaller scale - to be almost a match! Today we take each day as it comes. There’s always lots to do and see. Within its boundaaries, wildlife and nature abounds. Squirrels - red, black and grey steal fro our bird feeders that attract, Robins - nestlings presently learning to fly - Chickadees and a variety of resident varieties. Always a joy to see - though we watch carefully our trio of cats do not go hunting! Throughout our property one can see Black Cherry trees with fattening fruits hanging clusters throughout. Likewise several Apple trees and a young Oak tree, which I planted as a White Oak sapling in our first year of residence. Just one of many I planted. For instance, a Variegated Maple as well as a Norway Maple - now forty feet high that shades the lower reaches of the middle gardens. Green Ash, Weeping Willows in the swampy area. Burning bush and seedlings can be found in several areas, which add a vivid ‘fire’ effect that helps us to celebrate Autumn’s arrival. With Wisteria and Honeysuckles weaving over Trellis and fence throughout, they provide a sharp contrast to the Morning Glory supported by a wrought iron trellis that invites the visitor to our front entrance. A Fountain once stood at the west end of our pond, but winter’s severe cold finally ended its days.
After its final collapse, it was replaced by a waterfall that is better suited for Ontario winters. The pond that holds some six thousand gallons of water that flows from the garden well I dug - after dowsing for same. Its waters, seldom run completely dry. This too, was hand dug. The pond is often an attraction for Kingfisher and Heron , - even on occasion, an Osprey, but alas, today no fish reside therein, thanks again to the severity of Winters that finally proved to be more than we could overcome. After twenty years of fighting Winter, all 45 Goldfish - some 15 inches in length - were lost due to unusual flucuating winter temperatures. Becoming trapped between layers of ice, they unseen, met their demise two winters ago! Ah yes, a Fire pit? An essential which we have used on occasion. Better than any store bought barbeque, it sees less of us these days, as mosquitos and deer flies - pestilences - allow few periods of relaxation. Despite our tree and common frogs in number! With paths that encircle and penetrate the property we can and do spend hours just walking, and sitting - five garden benches strategically placed where we can sit and enjoy Nature’s bounties. Indeed a Shangri-la that allows us to meditate and relax in the cooling shade of Cedar and Maple. Whilst the scent of flowers - from some 50 flower beds, and the hum of honey bees, along with the butterflies that flutter throughout our several glades, help to take us into wheresoever imagination and memories allow.
No matter what make happen in the future, none of therse mermories can be taken from us. However we do differ inasmuch as my three grassed areas are hand mown. No Riding Mower for me. A rechargeable battery hand operated mower makes for less pollution. I much prefer to breathe, Nature’s aromas! Denis.

Trellis
fire pit
squirrels
oak tree
apple trees
Grackles
Paper Birch
Gravel
Visitors
Neighbours

[Psyche]

Hello Denis, your stories are excellent, a joy to read. Your land sounds like some paradise, I wish I could visit you and your butterflies, flowers, ducks, ponds, etc. I'd sit under the trellis (with Wisteria) and think up new poems.
Perhaps a fire pit is similar to what we have in Argentine Patagonia. One digs a pit in the earth, puts an iron railing from a barbecue and cooks all sorts of meats, including fish and veggies, covered with large leaves. This is covered with stones and earth and left to slowly cook for about 3 hours. It was done by the indigenous people for thousands of years.
Delicious, except I'm a vegetarian. My son-in-law makes it very well, mostly during Summer.
I'm afraid I can't match your mesmerizing tales, but I did the word challenges.
Bye for now and keep safe in your glorious surroundings. Sylvia

[Rhymer]

If you have Flash on your computer Sylvia or Daniel for that matter, you can see some of my efforts on the site I give you here. Some poetry too. Hotter than a firer pit today and I've been sweating hard out in it, buiding a small shelter for one of my benches. Painting is not my forte! Lol. Ciao. Denis.

Yry this. http://www3.sympatico.ca/poetscorner/gallery.html

By the way if you come this way, you're more than welcome to come and stay with us. We've had friends from Australia and Venezuela come for a visit and loved every minute of it.

[JustDaniel]

For some reason, Flash is blocked on my computer. Not sure why, since I used to have it. Can't figure out how to unblock. I'm afraid my gardening days are over because of my knees, though I'm hoping that once I have recovery from my current operations might at least modify that situation. Jason and Eileen attempted to put up the sides of the new pool yesterday, but Jason found them too heavy to manipulate, so they had to put it back away and come up with another plan. Am hoping it gets up before summer is over. It's nice to be home. Had some time with the grandchildren in my room yesterday, but I spend most of the day catching up on sleep! I wish we could invite either of you for a visit here, but we have a house full, though when we do have visitors, Eileen gives up her bedroom (a queen sized bed) and she comes and sleeps beside me in her lounge chair (two in my room) for the night. Frequently does that when our youngest daughter's family comes for a visit... so actually, you COULD come to visit us any time.

I'm afraid we don't have the showcase that Denis does, though between our two adjacent properties we have nearly 10 acres. Half of out side of the property is a hay field that is mown a few times per year as he creates hay bales. The back half of the property where my son resides is a large woods, where quite a few deer and turkey reside, along with several other critters. I don't get to walk around there because of my disability, but I used to used my trail wagon to negotiate a trail that goes through the back half of it. Walking in the forest requires taking care for the deer ticks, which can pass on Lyme Disease, if you're not sure to carefully check your body and shower when you come inside.

I'm not going to attempt to write a short story just now, but I could be back later. Am going to do the word challenges, however, and perhaps I'll return.

Best wishes to you both in your heat and your cold! - Daniel

Trellis
fire pit
oak tree
apple trees
visitors
squirrels
paper birch
grackles
gravel
neighbours

I'm afraid that our trellis is bare this year, and our fire pit is a very different sort. It's simply a piece of ground dug out slightly and surrounded by formed concrete blocks to the height of about a foot and a half in which a fire with logs from some of our oak trees in the forest and limbs from our apple trees, can be created to warm and enchant visitors who surround it, usually at night, when the squirrels are sleeping. Alas, we have no paper birch trees, and fortunately grackles don't generally show up around our property for some reason. We do need a little more gravel in our circular driveway between the two properties, especially in the part near the fire pit, where the ground forms a bit of mud, particularly in the spring, or when it rains a lot. We're far enough from our neighbours, though we can easily see them, so that our activity doesn't bother them.

visitors
paper birch
grackles
gravel
neighbors
railroad
stop sign
dog path
forest
buck

[Rhymer]

visitors
paper birch
grackles
gravel
neighbors
railroad
stop sign
dog path
forest
buck

Although we have Neighbours who we occasionally glimpse as they go about their daily business, or meandering along the Dog path through the large Spruce and Cedar Forest to the South and West. However, for the most part, we enjoy our own company and keep to ourselves. Our quiet enclave is one that we enjoy immensely, for therein we see all manner of wildlife. Being a quiet rural area its peaceful location, allows us to see and enjoy the occasion Black Bear, White Tailed Deer, Wild Turkeys and Coyotes. None of which bother us nor we them! All go quietly about their daily routine, knowing the satisfaction of seclusion from hunters and all who deny them the freedom to live their lives, as they want. Even in the seclusion of my garden I have come face to face with a large Buck, In fact, we met face to face on more than one occasion! We both went about our day’s chores, unperturbed or too excited from the encounter. One reason why we call our furthest distant landscaped area Tranquillity. Indeed it is a quiet retreat of Maple, Ash, Black Cherry, Willow and Paper Birch, that is under planted with a huge variety of Hosta Lilies and Ligularia! It truly is tranquil to just sit on the well used, garden bench that was one of the first to be placed for a quiet siesta hour.
Younger neighbours who remain working on a daily routine, travel to the neighbouring city of Peterborough. To get there, they stop at the Stop sign at the end of our road and head West. Taking the busy highway they soon arrive at Peterborough. From there, they can take highway #7 or the train and travel to Toronto then the world! Once an integral part of the Railroad network, that covers most of Ontario and Canada, travellers or Visitors could stop overnight in our local hotel that was situated across the main road from the Havelock railway station. Walking across the highway they could catch a local passenger train to Toronto via Peterborough. A gateway to the wide world. Alas, today it’s no longer possible for the hotel was demolished fifteen years ago, and all passenger traffic ended, However the railroad that runs about 200 yards north of our country haven, is still a busy line, and Havelock residents and surrounding areas still hear the sound of train horns and whistles every morning around 6.00 am. Thanks to the ubiquitous motor car, passenger trains became redundant. Today, on the railroad, all we see are freight cars which daily, head to Nephton and back to Toronto, via Peterborough, If one visited Nephton you would find huge granite and limestone mines. Some 18 miles to our north, they are very active in the mining of limestone aggregate, Gravel and sand. Annually, over a million tons are sent by freight train, to various locations throughout Ontario. Used in many construction projects, it is the railroad that provides the easiest and cheapest transportation for such vast amounts.

Most times our daily jaunts, begin and end on our attached elevated deck. When Nature allows, we can spot Blue Jays, Grackles, Starlings, Crows, Robins, Woodpeckers and Geese ad infinitum, as well as a huge variety of Sparrows. Swallows and Sand Martins who help keep the mosquito population under control! Feeders hang from our Butternut Tree, tempt the passing migrating bird to stop awhile. Many stop briefly to rest, eat and fraternise with their friends before moving on. We too spend time watching the many varied species, passing through, as we listen to the resident Grouse and Squirrels. Both of whom, keep a wary eye on our three cats. Warning all who would listen, not to take chances. Chipmunks too, have found their match with our trio of expert hunting felines! This is definitely not a place for the timid or unwary animal! Yes it is our Shangri-la, and second to none of any others we know of! As we head into the unknown future, this is indeed our place to reminisce. A place to recall, and relive our many memories, and to recall times of joy. A reward we will continue to enjoy until circumstance force us to leave, or the Grim Reaper calls us home. Hopefully, a moment that remains a few years down the road. Denis.

railroad
stop sign
dog path
forest
buck
Level crossing
Twitcher
Gold
Mercury
Dowser

[JustDaniel]

railroad
stop sign
dog path
forest
level crossing
buck
twitcher
dowser
gold
mercury

The entrance to our property is right at the stop sign warning sign about three hundred yards before the stop sign on the boulevard that lies on both sides of the railroad tracks running in front of our two houses. The tracks have a level crossing there at Garden Road and at Wheat Road about a quarter mile south of us. We have a circular drive that goes between the two properties, and our little Pomeranian mutt is too small to create much of a dog path, plus he only goes outside when accompanied by family members, since he's been picked up running in the street a couple of times, and the last time we were fined for it! The forest that lies behind the part of the property where my son lives has adjacent woods going all the way to Garden Road, and there are considerable deer, including both bucks and does in that woods, along with turkey, fox and perhaps some other creatures... plus a lot of birds of various kinds. Of course we have no Brit twitchers in this neck of the woods, nor any dowsers for them so far as I know. I have seen a few goldfinch over the past few years, but not frequently. In the past few days, the mercury has been rising to nearly 100 degrees, so I've not been outside much, plus a short-term antibiotic that was added before my last operation has the side effect of blistering of the skin if I expose it to the sun without severe sunscreen. That should end soon, for which I'm thankful.

level crossing
twitcher
dowser
gold
mercury
highway
church
downtown
gas station
post office

[Rhymer]

level crossing
twitcher
dowser
gold
mercury
highway
church
downtown
gas station
post office

Although we seem to have many commonalities with our two locations. apparent from reading your chapter - far more than I had ever imagined, it is also very evident there are differences of culture, lifestyle and lives led and followed today. It also seems Mother Nature is intent on having her say in today’s weather and how she affects our lives. Of course age also plays an important role in my life today, to an extent far greater than I had ever imagined or wanted. Personally, I have little fear of sun burn -but I do take precautions dependant on the ruling conditions. Important inasmuch as I spend most of my days working outside, wearing the minimum of clothing. Gardening however, does impose some restrictions of course, and I do take note of what is deemed circumspect and safe when exposed to strong. harmful sun rays. Having said thus, I’ll now continue with my next Chapter for the present Mini Story.

We live but a short distance from the small community of Havelock. Once a bustling hub of activity, situated on the Trans Canada Highway, in recent years it has become more of a Retirement Community for Toronto’s retired folks. Almost daily, new faces are seen and greeted. As such it possesses a dearth of small Churches, with most denominations represented. An active Post Office, is situated in the central Downtown area, where many gather regularly, to meet and discuss local and current affairs. Ever a great source of community happenings, where one can, with a dash of personal bias, get to hear all the latest gossip and ‘goings-on’ in the community. Several Gas Stations, ideally situated on the Trans Canada, which thrive on regular through traffic. With many folks headed East to Quebec: West to Toronto or NorthEast to Ottawa, our Capital City, or vice versa, they supply much needed traveller essentials. Being situated roughly halfway between Toronto and Ottawa, their location is well suited for present day needs.

The railway once served several thriving industries located a few miles East. The communities of Marmora and Cordova were once a very important and lucrative source of building materials. Besides which lodes of Lead, Gold and Silver were discovered and recovered for more than a century. All are now abandoned, although there has been some interest in bring abandoned mines back to life again, as modern needs require their hidden wealth, it has been discovered this need might well be served by searching through the wastes of earlier mining. One thing has been discovered from the once thriving mining industry, is the leaching of Mercury from the huge piles of discarded waste materials. It so happens that due to their location, leaching slowly makes its way, via tributaries and smaller rivers, it eventually ends up in the Trent river system. With numerous communities drawing their water needs from same, it recently came to light, that many cases of Cancer were probably the result of mining! A mining legacy never considered until now.

Besides gardening and the joy of landscaping our 2 acres to suit our wishes and desires, I am also empowered with the gift of a Dowser. Water Witching if you prefer? For a gift it is. Being an oft required talent which I enjoy exercising when requested. Thanks to this gift I was able to locate, and personally dig two shallow wells - Wellsprings of never ending sparkling, crystal clear, cool water, which serves both the house needs, and for supplying my many gardening and pond requirements. All in all, I have excavated by hand, four ponds. Firstly there was the large fish pond, then there was one which today, serves as a reservoir for a needed source to circulate through my small ‘replica gorge’, whilst the others are located either side of the central path. These two shallow ponds, serve as reflecting ponds, but soon became a home to numerous frogs and toads once the growth of natural algae took over. Besides giving us a choral concert most evenings, they do a yeoman job, in helping to control our pestilential enemies - namely mosquitos!

Finally with five bench style garden seats located in various semi-hidden spots, where bird Twitchers such as my late, long time buddy, Peter, can enjoy their love of spotting unusual birds, without the fear of interruption or annoying interference from visitors walking through. Always well suited to sit awhile and enjoy the ambiance of quietude, being “Far From the Madding Crowd” as my compatriot UK Dorset author, Thomas Hardy, so aptly said. A sentiment agreed to, by many of our numerous visitors. Friends, neighbours and complete strangers have all, on occasion, remarked upon the pleasure, relaxation and peace they have discovered in our small, not really remote, garden oasis. All thanks to a dream my wife and I shared on seeing this ‘small’ bungalow for sale all those years ago. With our planned oasis begun shortly after we moved in - 25 years ago - it remains a work in progress! Soon after we moved in, I blocked off the large circular driveway which was used more as a convenience by folks who had changed their minds as to which way they were travelling. or had lost their bearings. Also school bus operators, as a convenience, used it more than ourselves! It was blocked off by my planting a thick Cedar hedge, which not only deadens most traffic sounds, but prevents any incursion by unwanted traffic. Rhymer.

twitcher
dowser
gold
mercury
twitcher
church
Preacher
Raccoon
Comet
Moonlight
Choir

Sorry if you feel I got carried away with my "Chapter" but I wanted to give you a 'feeling' for our home. Denis.

[Psyche]

level crossing
twitcher
dowser
gold
mercury
highway
church
downtown[/color]
gas station
post office

Although we seem to have many commonalities with our two locations. apparent from reading your chapter - far more than I had ever imagined, it is also very evident there are differences of culture, lifestyle and lives led and followed today. It also seems Mother Nature is intent on having her say in today’s weather and how she affects our lives. Of course age also plays an important role in my life today, to an extent far greater than I had ever imagined or wanted. Personally, I have little fear of sun burn -but I do take precautions dependant on the ruling conditions. Important inasmuch as I spend most of my days working outside, wearing the minimum of clothing. Gardening however, does impose some restrictions of course, and I do take note of what is deemed circumspect and safe when exposed to strong. harmful sun rays. Having said thus, I’ll now continue with my next Chapter for the present Mini Story.

We live but a short distance from the small community of Havelock. Once a bustling hub of activity, situated on the Trans Canada Highway, in recent years it has become more of a Retirement Community for Toronto’s retired folks. Almost daily, new faces are seen and greeted. As such it possesses a dearth of small Churches, with most denominations represented. An active Post Office, is situated in the central Downtown area, where many gather regularly, to meet and discuss local and current affairs. Ever a great source of community happenings, where one can, with a dash of personal bias, get to hear all the latest gossip and ‘goings-on’ in the community. Several Gas Stations, ideally situated on the Trans Canada, which thrive on regular through traffic. With many folks headed East to Quebec: West to Toronto or NorthEast to Ottawa, our Capital City, or vice versa, they supply much needed traveller essentials. Being situated roughly halfway between Toronto and Ottawa, their location is well suited for present day needs.

The railway once served several thriving industries located a few miles East. The communities of Marmora and Cordova were once a very important and lucrative source of building materials. Besides which lodes of Lead, Gold and Silver were discovered and recovered for more than a century. All are now abandoned, although there has been some interest in bring abandoned mines back to life again, as modern needs require their hidden wealth, it has been discovered this need might well be served by searching through the wastes of earlier mining. One thing has been discovered from the once thriving mining industry, is the leaching of Mercury from the huge piles of discarded waste materials. It so happens that due to their location, leaching slowly makes its way, via tributaries and smaller rivers, it eventually ends up in the Trent river system. With numerous communities drawing their water needs from same, it recently came to light, that many cases of Cancer were probably the result of mining! A mining legacy never considered until now.

Besides gardening and the joy of landscaping our 2 acres to suit our wishes and desires, I am also empowered with the gift of a Dowser. Water Witching if you prefer? For a gift it is. Being an oft required talent which I enjoy exercising when requested. Thanks to this gift I was able to locate, and personally dig two shallow wells - Wellsprings of never ending sparkling, crystal clear, cool water, which serves both the house needs, and for supplying my many gardening and pond requirements. All in all, I have excavated by hand, four ponds. Firstly there was the large fish pond, then there was one which today, serves as a reservoir for a needed source to circulate through my small ‘replica gorge’, whilst the others are located either side of the central path. These two shallow ponds, serve as reflecting ponds, but soon became a home to numerous frogs and toads once the growth of natural algae took over. Besides giving us a choral concert most evenings, they do a yeoman job, in helping to control our pestilential enemies - namely mosquitos!

Finally with five bench style garden seats located in various semi-hidden spots, where bird Twitchers such as my late, long time buddy, Peter, can enjoy their love of spotting unusual birds, without the fear of interruption or annoying interference from visitors walking through. Always well suited to sit awhile and enjoy the ambiance of quietude, being “Far From the Madding Crowd” as my compatriot UK Dorset author, Thomas Hardy, so aptly said. A sentiment agreed to, by many of our numerous visitors. Friends, neighbours and complete strangers have all, on occasion, remarked upon the pleasure, relaxation and peace they have discovered in our small, not really remote, garden oasis. All thanks to a dream my wife and I shared on seeing this ‘small’ bungalow for sale all those years ago. With our planned oasis begun shortly after we moved in - 25 years ago - it remains a work in progress! Soon after we moved in, I blocked off the large circular driveway which was used more as a convenience by folks who had changed their minds as to which way they were travelling. or had lost their bearings. Also school bus operators, as a convenience, used it more than ourselves! It was blocked off by my planting a thick Cedar hedge, which not only deadens most traffic sounds, but prevents any incursion by unwanted traffic. Rhymer.

(twitcher)
dowser
gold
mercury
twitcher
church
Preacher
Raccoon
Comet
Moonlight
Choir

Sorry if you feel I got carried away with my "Chapter" but I wanted to give you a 'feeling' for our home. Denis.

[color="#000099"]Hello Denis, your description of your home and lands is highly interesting. I certainly get the "feeling" you hope for. I'm afraid I can't write such long stories, but rest assured that you can continue with yours, since you'll have enough to complete your memoirs in view of publishing them. Congratulations! I'm offering my mini-mini story below.


Dowsing the raccoon with gold and mercury spray made its fur twitch. The town's preacher had just entered the Church to give his Sunday evening sermon, but the choir and the usual sparse crowd had run out under the moonlight to watch a brilliant comet streaking across the sky.

preacher
raccoon
comet
moonlight
choir
Birthday card
curtains
helmet
sitcom
Antarctica

[Rhymer]

Mini Story continues.

raccoon
comet
moonlight
choir
Birthday card
curtains
helmet
sitcom
Antarctica

When Mother Nature scotched my plans this Sunday, with a fast moving cold front that brought a heavy Storm system that swept all across Ontario, dropping heavy rain accompanied with strong gusty winds - it took our Curtains by surprise, blowing them horizontally into the room, until I closed the windows, I later wondered, as daylight began to fade, whether a Comet had passed close to Mother Earth, to trigger the event, before heading back out into the vastness of space?
Grabbing my working Helmet as a guard against walking into a fallen tree - if one had done so - thought to take a quick look outside to see if any damage had occurred? As I left the house to check out our Tranquility location, I spotted the local Preacher passing by, on his way to conduct the Choir in rehearsal. With a Moonlight vigil planned for later this week, he intended overseeing their progress, even though it meant he’d miss the latest episode of his favourite Sitcom.

As I walked into my garden I caught sight of a Raccoon silently passing by in the Moonlight, and also thought of Sylvia who was now enjoying the latest cold weather blast of snow from Antarctica. A cold spell I could and would really appreciate right now, after weeks of our sweltering heat wave. With no end to it in sight, I wonder how I shall cope? The night air reminded me that I had to hasten out tomorrow and purchase a Birthday Card for my Sister. With the Covid-19 virus still very much in control - both here and in the UK - it is important I take advantage of a lull in infected numbers to ensure she receives it in time. A mere youngster in comparison to myself, she would be upset not to receive a card from her ever loving brother. Ergo - Me Denis..

comet
moonlight
choir
Birthday card
curtains
orchids
mangoes
Red Snapper
Dogwood.
Catkins

[JustDaniel]

catkins
dogwood
mangoes
orchids
moonlight
comet
choir
curtains
birthday card
red snapper

On our property there are no trees with catkins hanging from their limbs, and we haven't a single dogwood, though the property we now rent out in Bridgeton, where we used to live, has one prominently placed at the end of our wrap-around porch and near the entrance to the second and third floor apartments. Though my daughter developed a taste for mangoes when she lived in Mexico, we can't grow them here because of winter frost, and since we don't have the greenhouse that My wife has long wanted, we cannot grow orchids either. (I so remember the one's in Major General Harcourt Hervey's greenhouse in Pasadena, for whom I worked for two years during two years of college. He was General Eisenhower's Aide-de-camp)

Now that I'm beginning to be able to get around a bit better, I'm looking forward to spending some evenings outside by the moonlight, perhaps searching the night sky for a comet or a choir of falling stars, unless clouds serve as curtains to hide them from me.

The other night I had a feast of baked red snapper before I spent a wonderful evening of reminiscing with my older sister Linda in Idaho over the telephone after I sent virtual birthday cards to a younger brother Chuck in Tacoma and a former traveling quartet partner Carl near Chattanooga, who share the same birthday. It's amazing how telephone and internet can connect us in such far distances -- like Ontario, New Jersey and Argentina.

orchids
mangoes
red snapper
dogwood
catkins
internet
Philadelphia
politicos
baseball
seclusion

[Rhymer]

orchids
mangoes
red snapper
dogwood
catkins
internet
Philadelphia
politicos
baseball
seclusion

Due to the unusually warm temperatures of late, I have had a little time on my hands to sit and reminisce on days gone by, and how modernity has affected both my life and that of those who mean so much to me. Family, friends - all manner of loved ones - along with acquired acquaintances world-wide, who before now, I would have never known existed. Even though the invention of the telephone began this movement towards closer connections, since its inception, the Internet has proven to be the prime mover in the lives of my dear wife and myself. From all corners of the world - Sydney, Australia: Philadelphia USA: a host of contacts in England as well as folks from all around the Globe. A world wide network never thought feasible or possible, is now taken for granted. Even communications requests from would-be Politicos and scammers are common. Those who try to access our private world in an attempt to defraud us of our hard earned cash, should we be so foolish to give them details of our banking accounts! Although we are presently living a life of Seclusion- not only because of the pandemic, but from choice as well, communication today, is a far cry from the days of yesteryear. A time when Baseball and Cricket, in fact all sports and many other activities were solely dependant on the skills of a commentator, invited into our homes via radio waves.

Today I can sit on a bench under our Birch tree, bedecked and hung all over with Catkins. Shaded by the Red Dogwood to one side, I can enjoy a meal, reminiscent of our trip to Mexico, Jamaica, Columbia and Puerto Rico. All were favourite places to visit when we took our Winter vacation destinations, as and when time allowed. Places where we somewhat nervously tried out new ‘dishes’ such as Red Snapper - which proved to be an excellent gourmet delight' especially so when it was followed by a ‘fresh from the tree’ Mango or Banana. Even today, red mangoes, remain a favourite dessert fruit of ours. Being imported from various countries of South America. The Yellow Mango variety too - first tasted and enjoyed in Singapore many, many years ago, is much enjoyed!

However, of all my favourite memories - of visits to foreign places - there’s one moment in particular, that always brings back special memories. It was on our Bahamian vacation, when we were honoured to be offered a private tour of a unique collection of Orchids. Cultivated by a devotee of this exotic flower in a controlled greenhouse environment, he allowed no other species of flower, other than Orchids, the space to grow! It was an incredible sight! Achieved with some of the rarest species, seldom seen, in bloom. It was a rare opportunity, and an honour to be invited to view this exceptional display of what tender, loving care can achieve with exotic plants, given the passion required. A great delight often recalled that was much enjoyed by this, long time gardener.

Although today’s technical advances allow us to enjoy sights and sounds from all over the world, in the comfort of our own home, they cannot, and never will, come close to the pleasure of physically ‘being there’ when a ‘hands on’ opportunity is offered. Were we younger? Then travelling to explore and enjoy the sights, sounds, camaraderie and customs of foreign fellow beings, would be the highest priority. Modernity may allow us certain pleasures and opportunities, but, in my book, nothing beats ‘being there’ in person and the personal physical connection it offers, for that extra special connection! Essentials such as body language: facial expressions and the aura one senses, on meeting another person, face to face. All play an important part in human connectivity, and a very essential requirement, in my book. Rhymer.


Mangoes
Red snapper
Internet
Politicos
Seclusion
Vision
Swamp
Dolphins
Pelicans
Miami

[JustDaniel]

mangoes
red snapper
internet
politicos
seclusion
vision
swamp
Miami
dolphins
pelicans

Your story-telling is wonderful, Denis. It's always a pleasure to read and find out your wide interests and experience. I'm afraid it dwarfs my life and makes it an olive drab by comparison. You're absolutely right about red snapper followed by a splash of mangoes for a dinner delicacy. My favorites are fresh salmon, rainbow trout and catfish, although I also love flounder and other white fish... and I love fake crab (fish made to taste like crab) and I often have it (like today) for lunch in a salad along with fresh fruit and a vinaigrette dressing, often in the seclusion of my own room while I catch up with the news or some program on TV. My vision is poor, se I have a 50-inch screen staring at me, which allows me to be able to read the words on the screen (since I often cannot hear them well).

You're also right about all the would-be politicos who have access to us through the internet. That medium is perhaps as powerful as TV itself when it comes to electioneering. It certainly does not look like anyone is going to drain the swamp in DC any time soon.

It's been ages since I was in Miami. We spent our "honeymoon" in that area at Homestead Air Force Base, where my older sister was with her husband, our former neighbor in Tacoma with whom I worked at the East Side Boys' Club for several years, was stationed as a navigator on a bomber that flew out of that base. After our wedding, we'd driven from Cape May, NJ to Clearwater, FL, (with about $50 and no credit cards) where we emptied our old Ford that my mother-in-law gave us, then headed south to Homestead. We went to see "Sound of Music" together, spent a day with Linda and headed back to Clearwater and applied for employment, both of us getting jobs at Steak and Shake, she on the inside and I as a curb waiter. It was quite a summer before my junior year at Clearwater Christian College (where we'd met the year before). We didn't have time to see any dolphins down there, and we were there to early to see the Miami Dolphins, though I believe they had started playing there the year before (1966) founded by comedian Danny Thomas. We did see a number of pelicans, however before we returned to Clearwater.

vision
swamp
Miami
dolphins
pelicans
division
whales
circumference
dynamo
ammonia

[Rhymer]

[size="4
vision
swamp
Miami
dolphins
pelicans
division
whales
circumference
dynamo
ammonia

Thank you kind Sir, your words are not only encouraging, but most gratifying too. Now to continue - as your words are very useful in recalling memories of days long past. You have opened the Weir to a maelstrom of remembered delights

Firstly, although it had been my boyhood dream to travel the Circumference of this beautful planet Earth , which we humans call Home, I fell short of my ambitious Vision, or my goal in life if you prefer, by quite a few miles. However, I did manage to see and experience many aspects of it, and the peoples that lived life completely dissimilar to mine. However I had long vowed, I would be circumspect in all my meetings and dealings with any ‘strangeness’ met. Unfamiliar compared with my own manner of living, that is - I would view with an open mind. I like to think that even today, I remain tolerant and open minded regarding all customs and views that do not align with mine. Not always easy, but it surely has allowed me to meet and understand why \strange’ habits, ceremonies and life styles, developed as they have. All in all, tolerance and keeping an open mind, has served me well.
Firstly upon my volunteering for a seven plus years spell in the Royal Navy, my resolve was to be severely tested on more than one occasion. Even meeting folks from different parts of the British Isles, proved to be an eye opener, to which I had never once given thought! Even communicating with the various dialects and usage of what was thought the ‘common’ language, proved to be a challenge! When the time came for me to be ‘shipped’ to ‘foreign’ lands, to serve my Queen and Country? Then opened floodgates I had never dreamed were there! The simple voyage from Scotland in 1951 to my eventual destination - Sasebo - Japan, gave me opportunity to truly practice, those very tenets to which I had long sworn to uphold! Language could be, and often was, the toughest barrier I had to overcome, but with a little ingenuity and using ‘sign’ language, most were overcome. Often accompanied with ribald laughter from listeners, and embarrassment too - on both sides - if the truth be told! Eventually we would be understood as we would those we met. Language can often seem a Swamp in which one flounders helplessly, until someone, without thought of recompense, comes along with understanding of the point you’re trying to get across, and throws you a lifeline of salvation, with which you can redeem your loss of face!

Travelling East by Aircraft Carrier and later, Destroyer Depot ship, not only allowed me to visit ports and peoples along the way, but also allowed me to witness Nature in its many forms. Forms which few land-lubbers see except for video offerings on the TV or cinema screen. I have witnessed the exhuberance of dare devil Dolphins racing alongside our bow, daring one another to see how close they could swim, and yet remain out of danger! A pod of same, often proves to be a whirling Dynamo of spinning bodies, from which it is impossible to separate a single one! I’ve seen Whales of several species, leaping out of ‘Sound’ waters, as they sought to enjoy the freedom it awarded them, along with its added effect. The cleansing of leech-like parasites, from their hides. Even at times, Mussels that had sought a ‘free’ ride. I have watched the antics of Pelicans in several locations, and their firm adherence to their social structure. Something every living creature when watched, seems to have instinctive rules and regulations to follow. Even they have Divisions - not always obvious as first glance - in their communities. Nevertheless, Nature in all its many forms, is always a joy to watch.

Thinking back over those early years when global warming and the changing climate, seemed not to affect life in the oceans as it does today, I wonder why Ammonia, long known as an alternative fuel source - or carrier of energy if you so choose - was not seriously considered, and put to good use, in the propulsion of the numerous ships that sail the world’s oceans today? Technology has made great strides in the past decades, but what few changes have been implemented so far, do not reflect the potential disaster affecting our planet today! It might have been lessened, had this Hydrogen carrier been developed further, and utilised to a much greater extent. Had the numerous passenger Cruise ships that sail in and out of Miami, been fitted out in a manner that utilises ammonia? It might have resulted in a different scenario, to that of today. A city such as Miami for me, has been nothing but a brief ‘change-over’ destination. From plane to ship, and vice versa, for a booked berth on a cruise ship. Ten words may be thought a Challenge, but for this old ‘Salt’ they are but a ‘trigger’ for recalling the pleasures of exploring new lands: meeting folks of different cultures, and seeing Nature in all its glory. Never to be forgotten. Shared with many. Enjoy! Rhymer.

Swamp
Vision
Dynamo
Circumference
Pelicans
Cockles
Rain Forest
Geisha Girls
Hurricane
Sugar Cane

[JustDaniel]

swamp
cockle
dynamo
hurricane
circumference
rain forest
sugar cane
vision
pelicans
Geisha girls


I think of the days not long ago when I would be swamped with paperwork, and sometimes in anger I'd want to cockle some of it and throw it into the wastebasket or throw it into the air to create a dynamo of confusion in protest to the unnecessary and time-consuming record-keeping, as though our program of helping family members of adults with mental illness was a clinical program, which it was not.

Anyhow, those days are behind me, but I now have a new workload. I've begun writing poetry again like a hurricane, and on AllPoetry.com yesterday I received three Gold medals and a Bronze in contests -- all in one day! I was shocked, because one of them is free verse, definitely not my wheelhouse. But the next challenge is the beginning of physical therapy after I have some or all of the staples in my knee removed tomorrow. Over the past year, with inactivity, the circumference of my calves is less than 3/4 their previous size and all my leg muscles are very weak, so I have a lot of work ahead of me, but it should be much easier now that I'm not experiencing pain when I stand or walk.

If I could do the kind of travel you've experienced, Denis, I could strengthen my legs by walking through rain forests or sugar can fields somewhere or, if my vision were better, go search out pelicans or Geisha girls and watch to learn their instinctive rules and regulations, but alas, I'm stuck here for the time being.

hurricane
cockles
rain forest
sugar cane
Geisha girls
laser
emergency room
can opener
paper cut
trap door