Social standing has the least significance or attraction at the beginning or at the end of life. When one is young there are simply too many competing alternatives; and when one is old nothing matters except what already exists. Accordingly social standing is a mid-life crisis.  I say crisis – not because social standing is for everyone a crisis – but because for those for whom it is a concern it can definitely become a project of enormous devotion, complication, legal consequence and financial determination.

Continue reading →

Would that I had something of moment to report, dear Reader. But I do not.  Mine has been a catalogue of tedium today. In fact my entire week has been a record of mundane and clinical devotion – passport renewal, teeth cleaning, prescription modification, root canal inquiry and an oil change for my car. While I mustn’t complain about having to fulfill these passing necessities of life, nonetheless I am provoked that as a result I haven’t anything of distinction to relate. The most intriguing events today were a haircut and a brief review of the latest on-line boating course (the conclusion of which by the way is that I am never going to own a boat). Aside from this latter convincing resolution – arising from the disclosure of the rude fundamentals of boating ownership – I find myself staring at the wavering cornstalks, marvelling at the speedily changing atmosphere, while curiously reeling from the sensation of having being poked by dishwasher and refrigerator mechanical faults (further matters now under investigation and discussion).

Continue reading →

The nautical theme has been part of my life since having attended Dalhousie Law School in 1970 in Halifax, Nova Scotia along the North Atlantic Ocean.  My memories there are marked by images of Saturday mornings walking on Point Pleasant Park, clam digging in Peggy’s Cove, social outings to Hubbards and Chester, and spectacular ocean vistas from Lawrencetown outside Halifax and Melmerby Beach in Pictou County.  The one opportunity I had to board a sailing ship for a late summer venture at sea was regrettably conflicted with and bypassed in preference for a week-long wedding convention which nonetheless invoked certain of the traditional sailors’ indulgences.

Continue reading →

Though it did not mark the end of my day, the afternoon swim in the country pool of my erstwhile physician enhanced my disposition immeasurably.  It was exactly the relief for which I have been yearning – especially today after having stood erect for 20 minutes – in a state of swelling decomposition – waiting in line for Service Canada to open its doors at 8:30 am when I was scheduled to renew my passport. It is of course no surprise to me that our rule-bound enterprise at Service Canada today was replicated by my erstwhile physician’s partner who serendipitously materialized and reported glowingly upon their recent New York to South Hampton voyage and subsequent trek on electric bicycles through the vineyards of Champagne-Ardenne in northeastern France.

Continue reading →

It may seem to be a far reach from the armchair philosopher to the political activist but history says otherwise.  Recall too that “man is emphatically a proselytizing creature”, the acknowledgement of which is more than a paltry assertion given the imagination of those behind the ensuing narrative. The examples illustrate a terrifying truth: synthetic deception isn’t just possible – it’s effective.

Continue reading →

Looking out to sea is indeed a salty luxury.  The punchiness is not however its certitude; rather it’s doubt. Yet what could be more stimulating than a repetitive vigour or zest without the commitment or conclusion? The view to the horizon is as broad as one’s emotions, stirring at times interminable vagrancy, at other times a homebody mindset.

Continue reading →

I adore a summer thunderstorm! My iPhone is alive with lightning and pouring rainfall. The view from the drawing room windows is the same. And suddenly there is thunder! Cracks and rumbles of thunder! Then the distant repeat as the storm hurriedly passes to the horizon dragging its mournful chain of contradiction with an occasional flash of lightning. I count the seconds before the thunder repeats.

Continue reading →

A trip to the country is forever a passion of mine. It is not only an escape; it is an enlightenment, an indulgence in the bounty of nature, inspiring wistful moments of dreamlike fancy. First thing this morning I made it a point of mine to captivate that specific objective; namely, a day at the cottage. Initiating the modest but nonetheless delightful pleasure this morning at the cottage were freshly cooked farm eggs, grâce à Jeff who lives in a rural home nearby. In spite of the diverse strong points of real estate, this morning we suffered the sobering annoyance of what is as yet an unresolved matter with the refrigerator. Luckily we had decided upon a visit to the cottage toda – thus, forcing us to address the technical matter at hand. We had already packed our belongings in preparation for the adventure. Thankfully the preparatory work was minimal (which means unpacking is effortless). In this extraordinary heat one wears only the simplest of outfits. As for food, we took what was in the freezer and placed it into the refrigerator – yet another fortuity because it was the freezer that our Superintendent analyzed as the source of mechanical difficulty (for which he has subscribed a Service Ticket for Monday following).

Continue reading →

Though if pressed I would never contaminate or compromise my pervasive indolence, secretly I bemoan having nothing to do. Certainly I have my little daily routines – tricycling and a car wash – but they amount to mere cathartic endeavours, exorcising my overall ennui. By chance today a number of events arose which succeed to enable me to devote at least the appearance of activity to my otherwise listless conduct. Following is a summary:

Continue reading →

As we approach the middle of July the overwhelming sensibilities of summer are perpetually evoked. Bordering the residential lawns – seen this morning during my neighbourhood tricycle jaunt – are rampant breadths of tiny white and lemon coloured daisies. Along the country roadside are congregations of orange and black Tiger lilies. The lush green ribbons of corn stalk compete with Olympic greed for dominion of entire fields rolling to the edge of the river. Everywhere being hauled are modern trailers and motorized boats hitched to the backs of pick-up trucks all shiny and new.

Continue reading →