It isn’t often nowadays that we inhabit the ranks of the skilfully employed even peripherally; nor that we commence our daily wheeze early in the day. Today however was an exception. We were underway sharply at seven o’clock this morning, preparing to break the fast at the golf club at nine o’clock with our friends B&G from along the Rideau Canal southwest of Ottawa. Last evening we telephoned to arrange the impromptu foregathering. Fortuitously they were both available. The weather today was ideal, a summery day of balmy air and sparkling sunshine.
As luck would have it, the moment we drove from the apartment building in Almonte to the golf club in the Village of Appleton, Derand Motor Sports from Ottawa called to advise that in 20 minutes the driver would pop around to collect my injured tricycle for repair. Naturally we were remorsefully obliged to decline the unanticipated proposal. Indeed as recently as last evening Derand had informed me it wouldn’t be until a week hence that they would have a chance to pick up the trike. The clerk stated they were extremely busy.
Nonetheless we corporately agreed during our hurried back-and-forth telephonic communication this morning to modify plans by delaying the unscheduled assembly for an additional 90 minutes. The driver had a number of people to see in the area; he would see us last.
As it turned out – what with the inevitable minor changes of detail along the way – we had sufficient time to meet with our friends at the golf club (where as usual we enjoyed a truly favourable camaraderie) and then return home to deliver the relic. Besides, our friends acknowledged they had a further agenda that they were anxious to fulfill this morning. So we parted agreeably. And the trike was subsequently recovered from the subterranean cage and dutifully fastened by the Derand driver to storage braces in the back of his van.
Our friends B&G – not unlike us – harbour a wish to travel in the United States of America. They too however are reluctant to do so during the present administration. Following a repeat of the usual theses regarding the Trump government, we collectively lapsed into agreement that, whatever the character of the current executive, it is undeniable that it reflects the rude commonality of Americans – at least sufficiently to maintain the current status.
The politicians can – to a degree – be absolved of their present choice of conduct merely by attesting their not uncommon application to preserve themselves and their employment by doing whatever it takes to gratify the voters. But underneath that broad pragmatism is the further sinew that characterizes the overall ineluctable state of affairs in America – metaphorically captured in gated communities, Hollywood stylized plantations south of the Mason/Dixon line, reversal of “radical left“ accusations, toleration of authoritarian rule and disturbance of the Constitution for the benefit of those in control.
Historical Significance
North vs. South: During the 19th century, the Mason/Dixon Line became heavily associated with the Missouri Compromise of 1820. Along with the Ohio River, it acted as the literal and symbolic geographic divide between the free states of the North and the slave states of the South.
The conviviality of today’s breakfast is a prelude to our proposed boating adventure from Bayview Lodge Resort on White Lake. B&G are both familiar with similar ventures, including having a Pleasure Craft Operator Card from the National Boating Safety School. I personally treasure the official coalescence. There will though be a delay before the enactment of the outing, primarily depending upon the weather and the suitability of a reunion with our dear friends. On the recommendation of the Lodge official, we’ll aim for a day other than a weekend in order to eliminate potential busy summer conflict. I see the modest nautical sally as the perfect way to combine my own diminished gusto with the notable advantage of nearby cottage country. While it hasn’t the esteem of sailing on the North Atlantic Ocean, it stimulates the inexpressible merit of rural lakeside gravity. In addition the preoccupation fills the momentary gap of international movement.
Punctuating the success of the first part of the day was my subsequent visit to Life Labs for bloodwork recommended by my new family physician Dr. Kayode Bamigbola. He is concerned that my high blood pressure (which he questioned within minutes of our first encounter) may indicate a threat to my kidneys. It is an elemental but significant diagnosis. The boon of being my age is the acceptance that something will get me in the end. So I am by no means disappointed by what awaits.
Upon crossing this psychological barrier, I proceeded to the car wash and all that that entails.