Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Avoiding marital conflict

Just a short doodle today on how I managed to avoid major, long term conflict. Buy independance. One vehicle simply won't get the job done. So today I contracted for this '06 S40. First sedan since 1985 or there about.


Off to Conn. tomorrow AM, so I should have more worthwhile things to say in a week or so. Also hope to have some decent pics to share.

Monday, September 28, 2009


This has to be one of my favorite vistas. This scene represents a fair bit of what is important in my life.

On the left you will see my Uncle Stewart's place - Balgownie. Named after the Brig o' Balgownie (originally Bridge of Don), a 13th century bridge spanning the River Don in Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland.

Construction of the bridge was begun in the late 13th century by Richard Cementarius, although its completion was not until 1320 at the time of the Scottish War of Independence. After falling into disrepair in the mid 16th century it was extensively renovated in 1605. In 1830 a newer bridge was built five hundred yards downstream which now bears that name of the Bridge of Don.

Throughout its history the bridge has been considered an important asset. For five centuries possession of the bridge was the only way to move large armies quickly along the eastern coast of Aberdeenshire. It also provided a trade route to the wealthy areas of the north-east of Scotland.

The bridge is constructed of granite and sandstone. Its single gothic arch has span of over 12 metres and at low tide the apex of the arch lies over 17 metres above the water-line.

Next over, is my cousin Bill's cottage - Kelvin Haugh, also - I believe - named after a bridge in Scotland. I have so far not been able to track down its history. Stay tuned.

I spent much time at both these cottages as a young person. This is where I developed my deep affection for the concept of family and for 16 Island Lake in general.

The next cottage over - un-named - belongs to my cousin Shiela, and was built perhaps 15 years ago on one of the only (underwater) beaches on the lake.

That's it for today.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

My life in the present tense



Today I’m reflecting on my life and how it has changed so dramatically a result of my accident, and to a certain extent even more profoundly, as a result of the successful conclusion of the resulting legal action.

Even the resulting physical challenges have proven to be less debilitating than the emotional toll taken as a result of not being able to work; to be able to - sustainably - contribute to the world.

Granted only my lifestyle - where I live at any given time - has prevented me from continuing as a Rotary member. This has been my choice. So it is now up to me to find a suitable activity or activities to fill the surprisingly large void.

I also find that I am now also hyper sensitive to the predicament that my sister finds herself in. I know deep down that she has the character and skills required to survive what ever life throws at her. We had the same upbringing after all. I do hope however that she finds it in herself to be more flexible and future looking as she peruses the next chapter in her working life.

For me, this blog will be one of the outlets that will let me share my thoughts with who ever out there in cyberspace trips over this thing.

I have decided that photography and woodworking will be two other outlets. But I am floundering in my pursuit of an intellectual activity. Charity work was the first thing that came to mind, but as with Rotary, you tend to have to be available in one place to be effective. I live in a minimum of two locations. And really, I want to be living in a third - in the south - for a few months in the winter.

So, what to do? My thinking at the moment is to do something online. Perhaps try to start an online support group for people in my situation (sufferers of neuropathic pain). Not certain how to do this.

Maybe try to launch a mechanism for the raising of funds to support research into how to control nerve pain. This is something that medicine has a hard time doing. Even the very expensive drug ‘Gabapentin’ only moderates the level of discomfort I have. This I think would be a worthwhile pursuit. How to begin? This is my dilemma.

I’ve uploaded a couple of my most recent photographs, just because of the title of this blog.

I’m going to try to post more regularly from this point on. Maybe once or twice per week. Perhaps the discipline of writing will help me figure out my life faster than not.

Rain today at the lake, so we’ll leave at noon or so.

Thoughts on my life in the present tense

Today I’m reflecting on my life and how it has changed so dramatically a result of my accident, and to a certain extent even more profoundly, as a result of the successful conclusion of the resulting legal action.

Even the resulting physical challenges have proven to be less debilitating than the emotional toll taken as a result of not being able to work; to be able to - sustainably - contribute to the world.

Granted only my lifestyle - where I live at any given time - has prevented me from continuing as a Rotary member. This has been my choice. So it is now up to me to find a suitable activity or activities to fill the suprisingly large void.

For me, this blog will be one of the outlets that will let me share my thoughts with who ever out there in cyberspace trips over this thing.

I have decided that photography and woodworking will be two other outlets. But I am floundering in my pursute of an intellectual activity. Charity work was the first thing that came to mind, but as with Rotary, you tend to have to be available in one place to be effective. I live in a minimum of two locations. And really, I want to be living in a third - in the south - for a few months in the winter.

So, what to do? My thinking at the moment is to do something online. Perhaps try to start an online support group for people in my situation (sufferers of neuropathic pain). Not certain how to do this.

Maybe try to launch a mechanism for the raising of funds to support research into how to control nerve pain. This is something that medicine has a hard time doing. Even the very expensive drug ‘Gabapentin’ only moderates the level of discomfort I have. This I think would be a worthwhile pursuit. How to begin? This is my dilemma.

I’ve uploaded a couple of my most recent photographs, just because of the title of this blog.

I’m going to try to post more regularly from this point on. Maybe once or twice per week. Perhaps the discipline of eriting will help me figure out my life faster than not.

Rain today at the lake, so we’ll leave at noon or so.

Monday, September 14, 2009

A few random pics from Lac-des-Seize-Iles






I thought I might share a few of my 'better' shots from this summer at the lake.

I'll be off to Lake George and Greenwich with my Uncle Stewart and Marg in the next couple of weeks, so I might have a few more interesting things to say after then

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