Is sanity trying something different and hoping for the same result?

Not much is really on the table to talk about. In the past week I have managed to exceed 6,000 Vertical metres once and do more than 5,000 Vm’s another time on the ski hill. But that hardly seems newsworthy; except in these times if I was a resident of Ontario, it would be more than a news item – it would probably have me in jail. I also went out for a walk last night after 8:00 p.m. and I don’t have a dog – luckily I am not in Quebec or I would definitely be in jail. And even though I have been diagnosed with COPD I am told that I do not merit an early spot in the vaccine line-up; this is probably a good thing, as there appears to be a shortage around here and I hate waiting in line-ups for weeks at a time.

So what do I comment on? The youngest child of my late friend Chuck Lupton has just released a wonderful tune called Gems… check out Allison Lupton on the internet and you may be able to download it – if you can’t find it, write to me and I will e-mail the link as she has permitted me to share it.

While I am not sad to see the presidency change, if only because there may be a bit more civility in the office, I don’t think as Canadians we should be ecstatic about the incoming leader of the free world. As much as he has said he wants to bring the country together, and lead a move towards the centre, I believe in his first one hundred days he will do things that will maintain if not exacerbate the polarisation. And he will do Canada no good in his cancellation of Keystone XL (and thus our own fiscal recovery will be slowed and therefore any new green plan will become even more expensive). But I like the guy as a person and I’m really hopeful his Vice President learns some serious moderation so that she can take over (maybe even before the end of this first term) and fully move us all towards the centre – and in so doing, may set a model for Canada too (although that might require Reitt & Ambrose to come out of retirement!!).

I must comment, without ranting, on the BC Premier’s desire to close the border to Albertans. This is a free country and once we start border closures, we are asking for retaliation to become a constant factor in our relations. Besides I’ve heard that the virus may be transmitted by pipelines, so that would mean Alberta should have to cut off all oil shipments. I feel for ski hill operators who rely on skiers being able to get to their resorts in order to stay afloat and be in a position to pay their staffs. Of course, Ontario’s approach is even more draconian and even less sensible; but, perhaps I am nearing a rant!!

On another thought: I know I am aging a bit due to the changes in my eye-sight. I fear that when I visit my eye doctor later this spring or summer (appointment has yet to be confirmed) he is going to point out that I require glasses most all the time. While I have custom reading glasses for my desk in my study, I don’t always have to use them – but that option is diminishing. I find there are too many times I now have to pick up at least a pair of ordinary reading glasses to read menus or directions or even the morning paper. And when driving long distances, I have to use the glasses he has prescribed for that activity. I have prided my self for some time as being the last of my siblings to have to permanently wear glasses – but it may be coming to the point of pride coming before a fall!!

If you are looking for a retrospective on Bob Dylan and his influence on the music world in the early to mid sixties I recommend No Direction Home on Netflix. Directed by Martin Scorsese I found it to be revealing and quite enjoyable. I have been to maybe three Dylan concerts, each one very different and finally I decided I’d had enough. The pinnacle was the tour he did with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (I still have the bandana). But I understand better now where he was coming from each time. I may now allow myself to watch the Rolling Thunder Revue.

An equally intriguing documentary is Echoes of the Canyon which is a really vibrant look at the rise of folk rock (and perhaps a touch of acid-rock). It is about the community in Laurel Canyon (in Los Angeles) which included members of the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Mamas & the Papas, and a whole raft of talented musicians. I managed a rock band in the late sixties, emcee’s a number of concerts while at the UofA, and attended many more both in Canada and the USA so I found this Netflix offering so good that I’ve watched it three times.

And that is about it for this morning… I’m sure I will be more thoughtful in the days ahead but for now – be safe, but more importantly, be sane…

As always,
g.w.