We are finally heading out for a trip.  A short one – just a few days, but still very exciting to pack up the van and head out.  Destination yet unknown, but somewhere in Northern Ontario.

Before we go we wanted to catch you up on what’s happening with us.  At this time the number of Covid-19 cases in the world surpassed 10 million and the number of deaths surpassed five hundred thousand, and this is with lockdowns and social distancing.  Imagine what it would have been like without it?

Heck, you don’t need to imagine, just look at some countries and watch how everything hits the fan.

First I need to unload a short rant and then we’ll move on to birds, puzzles, and garden vegetables.

Never in my wildest dreams did I see myself wearing a mask before entering a bank and we certainly had a good laugh before doing this for the first time.  We don’t have a problem putting a mask on before entering a public place and it is beyond my comprehension why anyone would think that their freedom is taken away when asked to protect themselves and others.  This is pure entitlement and selfishness mixed in with a good dose of ignorance. Some people really suck!

For those who can’t breath with a mask on their face:  first, you probably need to protect yourself more since it sounds like you are already compromised.  Secondly, if it’s a new breathing problem that is preventing you from wearing a mask, maybe get tested to make sure you are not actually sick and about to infect everyone else.  And thirdly, if you can’t wear a mask, surely you can wear a face shield? Those have no impact on your breathing and will protect you and others.  Lastly, if you just don’t care, please go away and don’t talk to me.

Here is a link to face shields:

You can even get ones that are attached to hats:

It is now mandatory to wear a mask in indoor public places in Toronto and we are all for it. Sadly, there are already some demonstrations by to those who insist that their “freedom” is being compromised.

You know, I have no further interest in explaining this to ignorant people.  Mask it or casket!

Or just stay the blazes home as they say in the Maritimes.

End of rant.

Look! forest rocks!

The birds in our backyard

In birdland new, the wrens are wreaking havoc.  They attacked the beautiful Orioles who are nowhere to be seen anymore.

They also drove away the robins who dared to make a nest in the same tree.  Mind you, the robins were there before the wren, but the wrens were still able to drive them away.  They had a few fights with the hummingbirds and the few squirrels that dared go near their box.  After they drove everyone away, they picked up and left.

What the hell happened?  We still hear them in the forest, but clearly the box was not in a good place for them.

We moved the box to a tree that is farther away from the house and hopefully it will get used next year.  perhaps by a more polite bird though.

Talking about polite birds, the Indigo Bunting is probably our favourite bird.  Such a polite bird! It shows up every day early morning and late evening at the feeder and enthusiastically and appreciatively eats a little bit of this and a little bit of that.  It then leaves.  Quietly.

Nice bird.

puzzle

Found a 2000 piece puzzle and finished it.  I feel accomplished and focus and ready to conquer the world.  Need to find another one.

garden

The garden is growing nicely.  We saved the Swiss Chard from a blistery disease.

There is also lots of basil, oregano and some other veggies.

We took the hostages for a day trip and now we are leaving them to fend for themselves for a few day.  I hope they don’t escape.

We also made awesome pita bread

and oregano pesto, but that’s for another post.

We finally finished watching M*A*S*H and I will leave you with a quote that harks back to the first part of this post:

“Remember that it is always better to be wise than to be smart.”

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