The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2013 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 930 times in 2013. If it were a cable car, it would take about 16 trips to carry that many people.
As I discussed in my newsletter
I’ve opened a new page to bundle all my blogs together,
The new address is:
Hope to see you there!
(In the meantime, this blog site will remain operational)
________________________________________
I have also launched a new blog:
The name speaks for itself!
It’s a rainy day in old St. Augustine … Major rainy! At one point, over breakfast, I could hardly see across the street. However, it is a mild rain, and so I like that.
Yesterday, I published my review of a wonderful, Canadian book: Grass Beyond the Mountains: Discovering the Last Great Cattle Frontier on the North American Continent, by Richmond P. Hobson, Jr., that I described as “A true Canadian story that proves once and for all time that Canada has a history equal to any in the world for colour, drama and interest.” It’s true.
My motto is: “Canada has a rich and colourful his that, for the most part, is waiting to be discovered.” So why they can’t teach history like this in schools I don’t know. See my comment on that, and a list of more interesting Canadian stories: Canadian history made boring…
I guess the only personal news I have is, that after three years of having them, I have finally learned to talk and eat with my $4,000 dentures. Okay, that is probably more information that you wanted to know, but to me it is an happy accomplishment so I wanted to share it … Goodness knows, we don’t get to share good news very often.
The other bits of good news is that my health remains good (getting fat), and making progress with the rewrites. Nearly 50 pages behind me–that’s about 1/3 finished–that is if Microcrap hasn’t messed it up in some way.
Until nest time
Ger
PS: I see there is a major storm headed for Orillia via the midwest. Yikes! Batten down the hatches.
I can’t believe how fast the time is going, and at my age that’s not such a good thing. Already my stay in Florida is 2/3 gone.
Quite a nice day today. It was 65 when I got up this morning, and the forecast is for mid-seventies.
Just noticed on my last telephone bill that the HST has increased by $.53, from $6.74 to $7.27 … For what? To pay for Harper’s “Religious Harmonization Bureau,” or McGuinty’s relocation of the gas powered generating plant (in order to get re-elect and close down the legislature)?
Another full day of writing, today.
Later….
I’ve been keeping an eye on the weather up north, and it sure has been brutal–the cold especially. I don’t think it’s been above 32 for more than a month. I know that the average up my way is 37 for this time of year, and it has hardly about 15. It has been cool here in Florida, but I’ll take our version of ‘cool’ any time.
Otherwise, the hotel has been sold (yet again), and it is no longer a Ramada. It’s now called the San Marco Inn, which doesn’t affect me for this year. However, I don’t know about next fall. It will be closing for major renovations sometime soon, so whether it will be open for my return is an unknown. I also don’t know if Sluggers will be here, either, or whether I will get the same deal.
Which raises the question: Why can’t change be good news for a change?
I’ve been on a roll writing lately (4-5 pages a day) so I’ve been sticking right to it. However, my apologies for neglecting all of you.
Until next time
Gerry
Let it be known far and wide, that on this day I finished the unedited version of my WIP novel. Mind you, I still have some rewriting to do–continuity check and some editing, but the story is basically written.
I think I’ve covered all the bases–plenty of adventure, interesting and unique characters, drama, romance and a happy ending/
I’m shooting for an early summer release if the muses cooperate.
Gerry
I had forgotten that that I wrote a birthday tribute to Robbie Burns last year on this day, and from it I note that the temp in Orillia was 6C (40F) and 79F in St. Augustine. Well, the temp in Orillia this morning is -12C (3F), but the temp here is 69F.
Here’s what I wrote last year:
♣♣♣
“The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men Gang aft agley.”
I think I would have liked Robby Burns–if I could’ve understood him–for he was the sort of down-to-earth, common sense genius I admire. The sort that wears genius lightly, without affectation, so they can get on with the important things … Like living life to the fullest–Burns only lived 37 years. So let us raise a wee dram to the immortal bard (hold the haggis, though).
***
It’s Republican primary season, or Super Bowl season–take your pick–and although I love my American cousins dearly (i.e. they’re friendly, welcoming, generous, hospitable and affection) they do love to talk about their favourite ‘sports’–football and politics (in that order). In fact, every play and nuance is discussed, analyzed, and criticized ad infinitum.
I must admit, however, that their knowledge of football is astounding. It is to me, anyway, because until recently I thought that a “first down” was like “coming out.” Moreover, when I found out it was otherwise I lost what little interest I had.
My saving grace is that I’m Canadian, and so what the hell am I supposed to know about football. On the other hand, with a degree in political science I raise an eyebrow (sometimes two) when I hear words like “socialist” and “socialism” used in connection with Obama and “Obamacare.” Uh, excuse me guys, but that ain’t quite the definition of the word.
***
I see that my hometown (Orillia) is having a ‘heat wave’ with temps about +6C (40F), and that’s good. Nonetheless my December electric bill was $244. At that rate I couldn’t afford too many more days of -25C (0F).
PS. The temp in St. Augustine today is 79F.
♣♣♣
Until next time
It seems I’m forever apologizing for now keeping up my blog. However, it’s a combination of really pressing to finish this new story, and not much to tell beyond that.
As far as the new story goes, I’m within four or five pages of finishing the pre-edited draft, so I am making progress.
As far as the other news, the weather has been cool (60s), and frost is predicted for this evening. Mind you, that a far cry from the -18F in Orillia. Yikes!
In addition, I am just recovering from a moderate case of West Nile Fever. It sure put me under the weather for a week or so, but I am slowly recovering. The good news is that I didn’t need more than Aspirins to treat it. My greatest fear was that I would have to return to Canada to face winter.
Apart from that, no other news.
Stay warm until next time.
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 2,400 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 4 years to get that many views.
I don’t know whether it’s due to being busy (which I am), or whether it’s due to disorganization, but at the the end of each day my blog remains unwritten … Yet again.
Take this week, for example. I’ve pulled out all the stops in an attempt to finish Coming of Age before the end of the year, so that accounts for about eight hours per day. Then Monday, being the day I write my book review, I was all set to go with a biography of James Dean when I discovered it was out of general print. Panic! So I quickly looked around for a short biography I could quickly scan in a couple of hours. This I found in Blue Blake’s Out of the Blue: Confessions of an Unlikely Porn Star (450 KB), but by the time I got around to publishing my review the day was shot.
Then, yesterday was Christmas, of course, so after a dinner of prime rib that challenged my capacity (Big Time!) and a few drinks, I just lazed for the remainder of the day. Ergo, here I am playing catch-up.
Writing-wise I’m making progress, but I fear I won’t be able to finish it in six days. This week I’ve knocked of five people (shootings, bow and arrows, stabbing) so I must be close to the end–simply on the basis of running out of characters.
Otherwise, I can hardly believe I’ve been here nearly two months, already.
Here are a few more pictures I’ve taken on my outings;
Across the street is a very old mission (Nombre de Dios, 1658) with a cemetery dating from the 1800s. This vault-marker is one of the oldest, dating from 1800.
The marker reads: “Don Bartolome Oliveros – 1800, Consort of Dona Fernanda Gonzalee – 1799”
Don Oliveros’ grave is located beside the graves of six nuns who came to St. Augustine after the Civil War to educate the children of slaves.
All the graves surround this charming chapel, Madona de la Leche (“Our Lady of Milk”). The present building dates from 1914, but it replaces a much older one.
A view from inside the chapel.
A replica of the original alter, where the first mass was celebrated in 1654.
Having been a warm fall, some hibiscus flowers were still blooming near the church.
Will try to write again, soon.
Gerry B.
Posted December 6, 2012 by gerrysviews
Categories: Uncategorized
I had reason to go looking for a Canadian web site similar to Legends Of America, an excellent history resource with some real ‘meat’ to it—meaning, it is history made interesting. It also features some Canadian characters who have played a significant role in American history, i.e.Pearl Hart, Bat Masterson, etc., for which there is hardly a mention in Canadian-based histories.
A veritable wasteland
What I found was a depressing collection of thumbnail sketches, afterthoughts to American frontier history, a roll call of stodgy Canadian/British statesmen (John A. MacDonald, etc.), and lesson plans so dry you could strike a match on them.
For example, here is one lesson directed toward grade 3 students:
The earliest settlers who made their homes in the wilderness were known as pioneers.
Many pioneers of Upper Canada came from France, England, Scotland, Italy, Germany and other countries in Europe. Some settlers went to other parts of North America and later moved into Upper Canada.
They came to Upper Canada for many reasons. Some came so they could freely practice their religion. Some did not like the way their home countries were being run. Some just hoped they could have a better life in a new country.
Interesting Facts about the Early Settlers
in 1800, only 10% of the population lived in towns or cities – most lived on farms in 1800, the population of Upper Canada was 35 000 before 1800, most immigrants came from America after 1815, large numbers of immigrants started to come from the British Isles (England, Ireland, Scotland) between 1825 and the 1830′s more people came from the British Isles than from America
(see the full lesson plan at: Pioneer Life in Upper Canada
Sam Steele: The Wild Adventures of Canada’s Most Famous Mountie, by Holly Quan
Real Justice: Guilty of Being Weird: The story of Guy Paul Morin, by Cynthia J. Faryon
To Wawa With Love, by Tom Douglas
Wild Canadian West, by E.C. (Ted) Meyers
Tecumseh: Diplomat and Warrior in the War of 1812, by Irene Gordon
Klondike Cattle Drive – Normal Lee
Blazing the Old Cattle Trail, by Grant MacEwan
Secrets of Lake Simcoe: Fascinating Stories From Ontario’s Past, by Andrew Hind & Maria Da Silva
Amazing stories of WWI, WWII, and the Canadian Navy
Grass Beyond the Mountains: Discovering the Last Great Cattle Frontier on the North American Continent. by Richard P Hobson, Jr.
In the near future, I will be launching a web site dedicated to finding interesting examples of Canadian history. Until then, I leave you with this vignette:
John A. Macdonald, first prime minister of Canada, trained all the Parliamentary Pages to serve him gin in the House of Commons, because it looked more like water than whiskey.
Every first Saturday in December is the Santa Claus parade, so I grabbed my camera to capture a few pictures.
One of the nice parts about watching a SC parade in the South are palm trees (as opposed to bare limbs), and watching it in your shirtsleeves. Unfortunately, the “remote offshore showers” came ashore, and “a few sprinkles” turned into a deluge. It must have been very disappointing to those that had worked so hard for this day.
Have a look
Pirates seem to be a popular theme, as you can see from these opening shots
Remember the Hari Krishna movement of the 1960s? Well, they’re still around in Florida
There were lots of bands
And other stuff, too
And, of course. a Santa Claus parade wouldn’t be complete without Santa–who came to town atop a fire truck
Will write again soon,
Ger
There’s no outstanding news, which is probably a good thing: “No news is good news.”
The temperature is a bit below average (75F), being 60s during the day and 40s – 50s overnight. However, the sun makes it feel quite a bit warmer than the temp.
The first thing I do in the morning is check the temp in Orillia, so I know about the -1C and snow. I also know about the -15C and snow in Manitoba, so I’m not complaining about the cool temps here.
I must say I’m pampered, here. My table at Sluggers has a “reserved” sign on it so I always have a seat regardless of how busy it might be. My room is cleaned while I’m out for breakfast (9:00 – 11:00) so I’m not disturbed while I’m writing, and I can order anything off the menu (within reason).
Because of the cool weather I haven’t wandered away from the hotel. I do want to get across the street to see if they have made any progress on the archaeological dig they started last year–the foundation of a 17th century church. I was lucky enough to photograph a corner of it last fall. Fascinating stuff.
I’m writing steadily. I would like to finish this draft before Christmas so that I can start getting it ready for the publisher by late February. I’m getting stale with this story, so I want to get on with the next one: “The Brit, Kid Cupid, and Petunia.” It’s a light comedy, so it will be a change of pace.
I also want to visit some of the attractions here in St. Augustine–the fort, and alligator farm–and I have my regular driver and friend, Kerry Sullivan (a good, red-haired Irishman), at the ready. Will post pictures when I do.
To all of my friends in the northern hemisphere, stay warm.
Will write again, soon.
Gerry B.
This plaque describes what is known about the previously undiscovered building. It is thought to have been undertaken by Simón de Anda y Salazar, Governor of Florida from 1674 – 1680. He seems to have been a rather controversial figure who was eventual relieved of his duties.
Here are a few pictures of the portion of the foundation that has been discovered so far. The light stone if coquina (petrified sea shells).
And if that wasn’t enough, I also discovered there is an entire centre dedicated to the Burnies at McGill University in Montreal, i.e. http://burneycentre.mcgill.ca/bio_james.html. So altogether is has been a full day.
Well, it’s that time of year when the ‘snowbirds’ fly south, and me along with them.
As usual, the trip was an adventure. The shuttle from Orillia to Toronto was lovely and new, but obviously not designed for handicaps or seniors. To get on board there was a double sliding-door with nothing to hang onto. Now, why a passenger vehicle needed a double door I don’t know, but with a little ingenuity I managed to get on and off.
The hotel was relatively close to the airport and comfortable, but the restaurant left an lot to be desired. I ordered pot roast, which consisted of two pieces of meat in brown gravy, but the worst part was the service. It took a good fifteen minutes to clear the plates.
The flight out of Toronto was idyllic, and the airline personal couldn’t have been more helpful. However, when I reached Philadelphia it was another story. The gal shuttling me to what I thought was my next gate was an absolute mad woman! She sped through the hallways cackling inanely and scattering people in her path, until we got to our destination–a bus stop to the next terminal! Now, these are regular buses I’m talking about, without a handicap lift. In addition, they once again had double doors with nothing to hang onto.
To top off this experience, the attendants at the gate were surly verging on rude. I told one of them that I needed a yellow valet tag for my walker (so that it would be brought to me when I reached Jacksonville), only to be told rather officiously that they used blue tags in Philadelphia. (More information than I needed.)
Once I arrived in Jacksonville, however, and my friend Kerry met me at the airport, I knew I was at home.
At “Sluggers,” my favourite restaurant in St. Augustine, everyone was on had to welcome me back like a long lost son, and–apart from the cool weather–it’s been that way ever since.
Here’s a pic of the St. Augustine “Festival of Lights” that began last night.
Will write again, soon.
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