Deer, gray lags, crocus, sumacs

We've had a couple of days of rain, about 20 mm, and the forests are dripping. I went down to the pond, through the forest. There, under the tree, is a frowsy looking deer. Wisely hunkered down under the branches of an evergreen. It's a thin one, with a wonky leg.



There is more action in the night. I keep meaning to go out at dusk and look for it, but the porcupine has been working on the tree bark. This is an area they used to mow. I stopped that when we moved in in 2010. It is a field of sumac, although the deer are quite fond of it, too.
In the forefront of the photo is one of the sumac trees that has grown to 6' tall. I think the porcupine climbed it and broke it! It's gotten a couple more down. Little twerp, and the deer have eaten the buds that the porcupine has kindly made available to them.



The little sumac trees are coming along. I'm hoping they grow another foot or two this year. We'll see. The apple trees, the two I'd planted[ I planted two apple trees, Sept., 2015], have been trimmed, too!


Off I went to volunteer. I was a bit early, and took a detour. These gray lags thought I might feed them, or that I needed a telling off! You can see the rain falling in the puddles.



The bulbs are struggling. After sitting with my client on Thursday, the rain stopped, the sun came out, and the bulbs near the house opened up again.


Now, here is another funny tale. I wanted to wash the kitchen floor, but first swept up the paint flaking off the back of the garage door. It is a heavy metal door, which they painted. Somehow, the paint flakes are sticky, and I had trouble sweeping it. Then, I thought I'd scrape off the bubbling flakes, to get a bit ahead of it. Twenty minutes later, arms sore, I did most of it! I thought I'd quit before I lost the energy to actually wash the floor. I tried to sweep up the mess, lifting the carpet, paint stuck to my feet. It was everywhere. Anyway, happily the floor is clean, and I have another project to finish for another day!

Grandmothering in four parts

Bryony
Sunday, April 22nd

1. On Sunday, April 22nd, we were blessed with granddaughter #4 in Vancouver, Bryony has a little sister, Cluny, who will be 3 next month. We hope to visit them soon!

2. We need to laud the act of grandmothering, since there are so many ageists out there who use our names in vain, e.g., "It isn't your gramma's ______ ," whilst they disparage us, to sell something.

I didn't think it was very difficult to be a gramma, but then I have a degree in Early Childhood Education, and spent 25 years teaching. We develop routines, and have a schedule of crafts, outdoor play, and afternoon videos, most days!

My faithful readers know how much I love being a grandmother! We take the eldest two, Josee (10) and Izzy (8), for a week at a time and have so much fun.

Before we moved closer, we would do Facetime a lot to keep in touch. It really helps. Now, we do this with Cluny, out west.


We've written books together, made up stories "Gramma Stories" about Nebuchadnezzar, their imaginary flying horse.


Grandparenting is a blast! We have a grand time here in cottage country. We meet a lot of grandparents, who similarly take the grandies for a week or two in the summer. We are living longer, and have the energy to do this.

3. Grandmothering, by Linda Eyre, was sent to me for review. I thought this a perfect book for me to review. The chapter titles are quite varied and include ideas I hadn't thought about from the point of view of a Gramma.

Eyre hits on a lot of good points, giving advice only when asked, having empathy, and balancing our lives in our senior years. She writes about the importance of holding your tongue. Our childrearing days are over. I've raised my kids to be adults, and set them free. I keep my focus on concern for my adult children, and let them raise their children as they see fit. It is a new generation, with new traditions and values. This is part of Eyre's message.

Ch. 1: Our Journey
Ch. 2: When Things Go Wrong
Ch. 3: The Importance of  Strong Family Culture
Ch. 4: Adding In-Laws and Babies
Ch. 5: The Secret Ingredient That Gives Your Grandchildren Grit
Ch. 6: Grammie Camps and Fun Small Groups
Ch. 7: One-on-One Adventure
Ch. 8: What About YOU?
Ch. 9: The Entitlement Problem
Ch. 10: Times to Remember and the Joy of Reunions
Appendix: Recipes for a Crowd

Also, a good read, lest we get too comfortable, part of Eyre's message is looking to the wider community. She and her husband, and her 9 children, have done a lot of volunteer work around the world. That is an interesting part of her story. She highlights the group Just Serve, for USA volunteer opportunities. Another part of her story is her strong Christianity.

They came up with an idea:

How about we "give" our Christmas to someone who needs it more than we do?  How about we go build some homes for people who need them in Mexico?  (Through an awesome organization called FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES.)

Her children and grandchildren are quite involved in volunteer work, as well.
Max the gift of giving and goodbye to Rising Star and Mission Accomplished.
Ashton: One Heart Bulgaria – Hope, Life, Future for Orphans

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@Barrie Summy

4. There are a lot of grandmothers, of people of a certain age, like myself, our generation is doing a lot of good. Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign is one such group. This is The Stephen Lewis Foundation, whose work on behalf of the grannies in Africa, who are caring for grandchildren orphaned by AIDS.

 Powered by Love: A Grandmothers' Movement to End AIDS in Africa, is another good read. It is a fundraiser, as well.

Raging Grannies International » Herstory

The Raging Grannies began in 1987 in Victoria, British Columbia, and quickly spread across the country. White, middle-class, educated, between the age of 52 and 67, they were anthropologist, teachers, businesswoman, counsellor, artists, homemakers, and librarian.  

Abstract: In this paper, I look at the first group of the Canadian phenomenon of
the Raging Grannies, their history, and their use of imaginative protests and
satirical songs in their efforts to capture public attention, challenge authorities,
and educate on various issues. I also briefly consider some of their impact.

The Almonte Hydro Dam

We visited the Almonte dam, the refurbishments are coming along. You can see the development through my page here. I've watched it for years, they began working on the notion of the project in 2012. There was some controversy, Almonte Hydro Dam Progress.

They are making progress. The stone building was a mill, now they are condos. The adjacent, 2-story part are more condos. The building on the far left, I'm not sure about!


What I noticed is that the bridge is falling apart. They have reinforced it on the side where the water hits. The bridge is closed to foot traffic, although people sneak around it, I think.

The redevelopment would increase the amount of power generated in downtown Almonte from 350 kilowatts at the current site to 995 kilowatts. There would be a new powerhouse containing two turbines and a type of dam that allows water to pass overtop.

It makes sense to harness the power of the water, despite the numerous protests! ISn't it powerful?



There was flooding one year. Flooding in Almonte Hydro Dam 2014,

And finally, some outdoor work

The weather has finally turned. It was on Sunday.


Hooper helped me transplant a flower into a new pot. It was a gift! The pot, not the flower!



Down at the pond April 22nd, a muskrat. I didn't see him/her Monday. We shall see what happens. They were back April 3rd, in 2016 (Guess who had six babies!) , but didn't nest here last year. They created some push-ups, but didn't stay.

Sunday, April 22nd, 2018, we'll see if s/he hangs around!

The cats have been so happy, released from the house, walled in by snow. JB walked Annabelle down in the meadow. He took her to the climbing tree, the one that fell. It's a favourite of hers.



The wood ducks are back, here on the trailcam camera. It was -1 C. early in the morning.

I took down the old flag, and replaced it. It is heavy, and a bit tricky to do. It pivots on a bolt, there are three total. I have to take two out and then slowly lower it to the ground.


Next project, restarting the goldfish pond pump. Daisy helped. I took off my jacket, and was in a t-shirt. AMAZING!!!


JB's water fountain needs work. I uncovered it. There were helpers. I'm going to have to get Hansen's Garden Ornaments peeps to help repair it. I busted my bird bath, as well. That will have to be replaced.


This song sparrow, a regular pair, have been looking for bugs in the lattice work. If you watch to the end, you can see how happy Hooper is in the fountain!
Song sparrow from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Of course, the geese! How iconic.
Geese from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Hooper was more fascinated by the bugs, the deer fascinated with him. They are quite curious about the cats. They've been careful, not hostile. Cats don't look like coyotes, and deer come into contact with the raccoons, and rabbits. You can see Daisy, between me and the tree.




Hooper & Deer friend from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.