Overcoming Barriers

Living in Canada,we're connected to 3 oceans.,.making the journey from fresh water to salt, or vice versa. Great threats along the way affect safe passage for our migratory species as defined in a recent publication.

Turtles in Ontario: It's turtle nesting season, which means the turtles you see on the road, could be expectant mothers. Road mortality is a major reason why all 8 of Ontario's turtle species are at risk.

If you see a turtle on the road, help it get safely across in the direction it is heading

It's Turtle Nesting Season

Last summer, one day, I was driving along a Service Road between Lake Ontario and Burlington Bay.
On the road before me, a sizeable turtle was slowly crossing to reach waters, possibly to lay her eggs.
Being first car in line, I fully stopped...with cars lining up behind me as I protected the turtle's path, giving her safe passage to her destination. All we drivers, gazed in wonder as she slowly crossed... working her way through grasses and tree growth to reach more placid waters.

Amazingly, later that summer, while driving through Dundas, was another, crossing Main Street, who had stopped midway, due to cars; With my hazard lights flashing, and donning a pair of gloves, I lifted this turtle, depositing her in safe tall grasses which bordered a slow drifting stream.

Okanagan Sunflower: A herald of spring renews the hllsides of Southern Alberta and .B.C.
Igniting hillsides from April to June' yellow flowers enliven the city which affords terrific views of of the Okanagan area. Standing tall, its stems feature large curling dark green and silvery-haired leaves that are shaped like arrows. The leaves grow so full, as to give it an amost bush-like appearance .Its bright yellow-orange blooms bear passing resemblance to a small sunflower. Its short-lived seeds are distributed by wind and animals for reproduction.

In High School days, I had a Latin-History teacher, Miss (Lily) Travers who always introduced her lessons with a personal experience. Her efforts to grow hollyhocks with southern exposure from her home , yearly failed. One day, after 4 pm, a friend and I (discovering her address)
ventured to her nearby property to espy her success in finally coaxing her hollyhocks to bloom!
YES! There they were! In magnificent colours of reds, yellows, pink and white. How beautiful they were~ personally painted by Miss Travers, herself. Congratulating her success, next morning: broadly smiling, stated: “Where There's a Will ~ There's Always a Way!

Master Impressionists: “Why do mockingbirds mimic other birds' songs? To Boast? To Befuddle?

Some scientists think it's to attract and impress potential mates. Each night, as daylight transcends into darkness over the cactus-filled desert habitat in Baja, California, we are serenaded briefly by the lovely song of a northern mockingbird. One has made his nightly roost in the large candelabra cactus at front door. Aptly named mocking bird, is also aptly named mockingbird, is also the most accomplished mimic in the bird world ~n imitating dozens of common North American species, such as the Blue Jay.

Dad knew my sister and I could sing ~ so knowing this, he said to us standing nearby:
“If you sing to the birds, they may land on your shoulder or outstretched hand!” Throughout the garden activities, it kept us occupied..and Dad was very very happy!

Blinded by the Light: North Americans seldom see the stars, due to the massive illumination our towns and cities create. Not just a sad fact ~ it is bad for all living things. In the early hours of January 1994, Los Angeles was struck by a 6.7 magnitude earthquake. Many noticed an odd formation in the sky: they were seeing the Milky Way. American and European biologists determined, 22 years later, that North Americans cannot see the Milky Way. Daily darkness plays a central and profound role in nature's ways. Prey and predator both rely on the darkness for survival. Many predators are blinded by artificial light. Yet, consider the wetland toad, whose croaking is essential to mating Birds may be the greatest victims: for flighted creatures, that hunt or migrate by night, light pollution is dangerous.

With references from Canadian Wildlife, a black footed ferret in Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan:North America's only native ferret, it was introduced to the park between 2009 and 2012, None have been seen since 2014. They must be thriving in their vast forested home!

Assembled by Merle Baird-Kerr...July 13, 2020
Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca.

Sophia Loren Lure

An Italian actress and singer,
Sophia was encouraged to enrol in acting lessons after entering a beauty pageant. She began her film career in 1950 at age of 15. Her talents were not recognized as an actress until her performance in Two Women, earning her an Academy Award for 'Best Actress' in 1962.

In 1991 she received The Academy Honourary Award
for her contribution to world cinema.
In 1991 she received The Golden Globe Cecil B. Demille Award.
for her performances in TheKey (1958) ...and Two Women (1960)...
and for numerous other movies.

Interestingly, the two foregoing movies were of vital interest to me.
One lead role was Aida in 1953...with legendary Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni.

Her success in Italy soon caught the attention of American producers....together with a 5-picture deal with Paramount Pictures.

On September 20, 2019, Italian actress, Sophia Loren turned 88 years of age. She is the only one of the American Film Institute's 25 female greatest screen legends, who is still alive.
Following her home in South Florida, she re-located to Burlington, Vermont...writing life stories about motherhood...spaghetti ...and beauty. About 10 years ago, I discovered writings and quotes of hers,
which today I share with you. her wisdom.. life's challenges...and personal beliefs.

There is a fountain of youth ~ it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this resource, you will truly have defeated age.

Beauty is how you feel inside...and it reflects in your eyes, It is not something physical.
I've never tried to block out the memories of the past, even though some are painful. I don't understand people who hide from their past. Everything you live through, helps to make you,the person you now are. Sex appeal is 50 % of what you got ~ and 50 % what people think you've got.

Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she IS beautiful.
Everything you see, I owe to spaghetti,
It can be eaten most successfully if you inhale the spaghetti like a vacuum cleaner.

After all these years I am still involved in the process of self-discover,y. It's better to explore life and make mistakes ~ than to play it safe. Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.

Getting ahead in a difficult profession, requires avid faith in yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent , but with inner drive, go so much further than people with vastly superior talent!

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. You are connected to your child and to all those who touch your lives. A mother always has to think twice : once for herself and once for her child.

Food makes people happy! It takes you back home ~ it says so many things that words cannot say.

Compiled by Merle Baird-Kerr...July 8, 2020
To respond: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

Growing Crisis in Canada's Pollination

From nine-full-colour pages in the summer issue of Canadian Wildlife, vital information, which to the average eye , may go unnoticed. Often misidentified, as wasps or hornets,
flower flies are central to pollination in Canada (according to a special report).

“Most life on this planet would be impossible without pollinators. They perform one of Nature's essential processes in transferring pollen among flowers.~ they help create life. In doing so, they provide the world with food, shelter, fuel, biomass and oxygen. Anything that hurts pollinators ~ habitat loss ~ pesticide use ~ and global warming (among other threats) needs to be taken seriously: NOW! To many, unknown, when pollen is moved from the male part of the flower (the anther) to the female part (the stigma), pollination occurs. This is the initial phase in a process that ultimately generates seeds, fruit and the next generation of plants. When this can happen on some plants, via wind and water, most plants require pollination creatures to move pollen within the flower and from bloom to bloom.

There are a few vertebrate pollinators in Canada, (such as hummingbirds) but there are over 10,000 species of invertebrate pollinators in this country. Honey Bees, not native to Canada, (imported from South America) are the go-to-for-profit pollinator in Canada. Together, flower flies and bees are responsible for more than 80 % of pollinating for Canada's agricultural crops.
A World without Pollinators is unimaginable. It is time for Action!

To encourage Hummingbirds to spend time in your garden, consider planting attractive native wildflowers like Goldenrod and Asters..Mountain Mint....and shrubs like Nannyberry.

Changes in Climate:
Like every other living thing, Pollinators and the plants that depend on them are being affected by increasing CO2 levels...rising temperatures and the changes they have brought.
Increased carbon in the atmosphere, is altering insect plant interactions. Warmer temperatures, meanwhile cause flowers in affected areas to bloom a month earlier than they did a few decades ago.

Some plants are moving to higher elevations ~ leaving pollinators behind as they fail to adapt at the same rate as flowering plants. Bees are particularly affected by higher temperatures.

Protecting Pollinators:
To establish the first North American-wide framework for pollinator conservation, Canadian Wildlife Federation, researchers and farmers, also in Mexico, will launch the 3 P's of focus: Pesticide Reduction...Pathway Creation...and Public Action.

Special Report about Butterflies:

There are 306 butterfly species in North America. Active during the day, they are less efficient than other pollinators because of their long legs and slender bodies ~ limiting how much pollen they pick up. Most, being generalists, they are drawn to bright clustered flowers (especially red, yellow and orange) that offer 'ready-landing platforms: open in daylight...butterflies are generous nectar producers. Sensitive to environmental changes, butterflies are rapidly adapting to rising temperatures, by moving further north and higher in altitude. To home-attract butterflies...they need warming sunlight ...and some shallow water...as a result, doing your garden and eco-sphere a favour!

Gleaned by Merle Baird-Kerr...July 12, 2020
Comments always welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

Tenacity of Trees

Inspired by a few lines, Karen I. Shragg wrote

Think Like a Tree

Soak up the sun
Affirm life's magic
Be graceful in the wind
Stand tall after a storm
Feel refreshed after it rains.

Trees line my view along a paved bike and walking route extending from East Burlington...through residential streets...to the downtown hub. Four seasons of the year pass my eyes with reminders beginning early Spring when tiny leaflets announce the rebirth of their statue-like neighbouring trees.
Possibly, they are linden trees ~ however, one tree only in spring, sprouts small red berries in May/early June. Nature, ever so kind in autumn, brushes/paints my view in rich reds and gold.
Daily, from late afternoon until the red-setting sun, I share images that infiltrate my mind and soul.

With the following message(s), from a faithful reader, I share profound facts of interest.

Every submitted photo is addressed with significant fact(s) about the tree's growth on Earth.

A place of enchantment illustrates a tree's existence on a narrow trunk's growth.

This Palm tree fell and with great incentive, righted itself to its original upright state on a city street.
Falling over, this tree cloned 4 other trees after falling in a woodland lot..
The only tree that survived the Tsunami in Japan, was kept alive by keeping its trunk straight as it grew...protected and restored.

The Tree of Life in Olympic National Park, Washington, found a rocky space to extend its numerous leafy branches.
A tree's 'root spill' through the sidewalk, created a location to extend its branches.
An amazing tree grows out of a rock which in Spring sprouted pinky-rose coloured blooms.
A tree grows through a “Speed Limit” sign in front of a residential house.

This old tree, set on a lush woodland lot, refuses to die!
Although winter, this tree still has reddish leaves because of the light shining on it in cold weather.

'Life finds a way' stated the tree, growing its roots from the top of a rust-coloured rock!
Tree toots extend to the mainland for nutrients to maintain its life.
Finding its way, another tree stalwartly rooted itself to a flat-topped precipice.

Finding life, another tree selected a sidewalk to spread its shade-loving-branches.
Ta Promh Temple in Cambodia, is home to this 'temple tree' ...sturdily stands tall reaching into the sky. Never Give UP! States this tree, spurting narrow limbs piercing into the rocky coastline.
Picture in your mind, a rolling sandy desert, where in its midst a tree's home is set in a basin-like slope of desert sand...with blue sky far,far away!

A floating island grew at the end of a sunken tree ...beside peaceful green waters.
Imagine a wooden chair sporting leaves!!!
Set in grassland, is an old abandoned piano... out of its keyboard sprung a sturdy tree trunk.
An enterprising student, hung his skates, when a teen upon this tree when it was barely a seedling.
When limited space, a tree grew out of the stump of a dead tree. Then the stump rolled away
In desperation a t tree grows Out of Rock .!
'Tis winter...and as a car travels the snowy road of ice, snow and barren trees...'

Yet, a leafy tree is dressed in golden leaves..
Being desperate, a tree forced its trunk through wire fencing
'Tho' strange,.a trunk with a' pair of eyes' peers over the wire fence!

Notation:From these incredible photos and human deeds, it goes to show
that if one is determined to survive...and they persist despite impediments,
They and we can do it!

Expressions from Nature

Nature tells us what we can accomplish ~ if we are determined.

My roots will ground me as I reach my dreams. Within each new season, I will blossom and grow.
When ill winds blow, I will bend ~ but not break.

Amelia Earhart stated: The most difficult thing is the Decision to Act. The rest is merely Tenacity.

Louis Pasteur concluded: Strength lies solely in my tenacity

Submitted by Merle Baird-Kerr...July 3, 2020

Your thoughts appreciated...mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

Olympian Greek Gods and Goddesses

Appollo was the son of Leto and Zeus. He wa born on the island of Delos. He and his twin-sister Artemis, also an Olympian, shared an aptitude for archery. The 'nine Muses' were companions of his; they were goddesses known for inspiring art and music.

Ares was the son of Zeus and Hera, both of whom hated him (according to Homer). More known as Cupid was the child of Ares and Aphrodite. Ares was most notably referred to as The God of War...
representing the unpleasant aspects of battle

Dionysus was primarily known as the God of the Vine. Upon reaching adulthood, Dionysus wandered the Earth, teaching men the culture of the vine. Dionysus was the last god to enter Olympus.

Phades was also called the God of Wealth or 'the rich one' because he possessed the precious metals on the earth. Hades had a cap or helmet that made its wearer invisible. His wife was Persephone, Demeter's only daughter, whom he kidnapped and made his queen.

Hephaestus was the only ugly god among the perfectly beautiful immortals. He was the workman of the immortals; he made their dwellings, furnishings and weapons. Hephaestus was known as TheGod of Fire.

Hermes was considered a'trickster' due to his cunning and clever personality. He primarily served as the herald or mssenger of the gods. Hermes was born in a cave on a mountain in Acadia; he was was conceived and born within the course of one day

Poseidon was allotted his dominion after the fall of the Titans. He wielded the trident or three-pronged spear, and this image of him is reflected in art ~ Poseidon was most notably The God of the Sea ...and the'protector of all waters.

Zeus was the father of the famous Greek hero, Hercules. The name Zeus means 'bright or sky.'
His weapon of choice was the thunderbolt, made for him by Cyclops.

Olympian Greek Goddesses

Aphrodite was the goddess of fertility, love and beauty. During the Trojan War, Aphrodite fought on the side of Paris. Aphrodite and her son, Eros (Cupid) teamed up to cause Zeus to fall in love with a human called Eiropa.

Artemis was the daughter of Zeus and Leto...and twin sister of Apollo. She was primarily a virgin huntress...goddess of wildlife..and patroness of hunters. She was an important goddess in the lives of women...especially when it came to marriage and young creatures.

Athena: was the Goddess of War, the female counterpart of Ares. She is one of the three goddesses; 'the other two were Hestia and Artemis. Athena served as a guardian of Athens, where the Parthenon served as her temple.

Demeter was the daughter of Cronos and Rhea. She was the goddess of harvest and fertility. Only women attended the Thesmophoria, a fertility festival held in honour of Demeter.

Hera was Queen of the Olympian gods. I:n the story of the Quest of the Golden Fleece, Hera was a gracious protector of the heroes. Hera had few, if any redeeming qualities. She never forgot an injury.

Hestia: Although Hestia appeared in a few stories, she was not overly significant in Greek mythology. She was a sibling to Demeter, Hades, Poseidon,Hera and Zeus. Hestia is completely omitted from the works of Homer, author of the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Tyche was the Greek goddess of chance, fate and fortune. She represented not only the positive aspects of these characteristics, but also the negative ones.l The ancient Greeks thought she was the reason for unexpected events in their lives: good and evil. For example, if someone had much success in life .....

Most Popular God or Goddess in Greek Mythology:

Athena, Dionysus. Poseidon, Hera, Artemis...

Aphrodite,Apollo, Hepaestus, Hades, Nyx...
Ares, Hermes, Zeus. Demeter,Hestia...

Iris, Nike, Gaea, Kratos and Pan.

The foregoing were celebrities with designated obligations to fulfill.
Equating to our 20^th century,
our parameters are bound by the sporting world..the movie genre...

race-car drivers...musicians...and the fashion industry (to name a few)!

The foregoing, assembled by Merle Baird-Kerr...July 5, 2020
Opinions and comments most welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca.

Message from the Queen

Recently, this message was forwarded to me
(from an ardent reader).
In circulation and to me I share with you
this prolific message from the Queen.

To the citizens of the United States of America
from Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“In light of your failure to nominate competent candidates for President of USA and thus to govern yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence effective immediately.

Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
will resume monarchical duties over all states, commonwealths and territories

(except North Dakota and Utah, which she does not fancy). Our new Prime Minister,
Boris Johnson, will appoint a Governor for America without the need for further elections.

Congress and the Senate will be disbanded. A questionnaire may be circulated next year to
to determine whether any of you noticed.

To aid in the transition to a British Crown dependency,
the following rules are introduced with immediate effect:

The letter U will be reinstated in words such as 'colour, favour, labour and neighbour.'
Likewise, you will learn to spell 'doughnut' without skipping half the letters...and the suffix 'ize' will be replaced by the suffix 'ise'. Generally, you will be expected to raise your vocabulary to acceptable letters. (Look up vocabulary).

Using the same twenty-seven words, interspersed with filler noises such as 'like' and
'you know' is an unacceptable and inefficient form of communication. There is no such thing as U.S. English. We will let Microsoft know on your behalf. The Microsoft spell-checker will be adjusted to take into account the reinstated letter 'u' and the elimination of size

July 4^th will no longer be celebrated as a holiday.

You will learn to resolve personal issues without using guns, lawyers or therapists.
The fact that you need so many lawyers and therapists shows that you're not quite ready to be independent. Guns should only be used for shooting grouse. If you can't sort things out, without suing someone or speaking to a the rapist...then you're not ready to shoot grouse.

Therefore, you will no longer be allowed to own or carry anything more dangerous than a vegetable peeler in public.

All intersections will be replaced with 'round-abouts' and you will start driving on the left side with immediate effect. At the same time (going metric) immediate effect and without the benefit of conversion tables...these will help you understand the British sense of humour.

The former USA will adopt UK prices on petrol (which you have been calling 'gasoline') of roughly $10 U.S. gallon. Get used to it.

You will learn to make real chips...those things, you call French fries are not real chips... and those things you insist on calling 'potato chips' are properly called 'crisps. Real chips are thick-cut ...fried in animal fat...and dressed, not with catsup.but with vinegar.

The cold, tasteful stuff you insist on calling beer is not actually beer at all. Henceforth only proper British Bitter...will be referred to as beer....amd European brews oft known and accepted will be referred to as Lager. South African beer is also acceptable...as they are pound for pound the greatest sporting nation on earth & can only be due to the beer. They are part of the British Commonwealth...see what it did for them. American brands will be referred to as Near-Frozen Gnat's Urine...so that all can be sold without risk of further confusion.

You will cease playing American football.
There is only one kind of proper football ...you call it soccer.

Those of you brave enough in time will be allowed to play rugby which has some similarities to American football ...but does not involve stopping every 20 seconds wearing full Kevlar body armour.

Further, you will stop playing baseball. It is not reasonable to host an event called 'The World Series' for a game which is not played outside America. You will learn 'cricket' and we will face the South Africans first ...to take the sting out of their deliveries.

You must tell us who killed JFK...it's been driving us mad!

An internal revenue agent (i.e. tax collector) from Her Majesty's Government shall be with you shortly ~ to ensure the acquisition of all monies due (backdated to 1776).

Daily Tea Time begins promptly at 4 p.m. with proper cups, with saucers... and never mugs...with high-quality biscuits (cookies) and cakes...plus strawberries (with cream) when in season.

God Save the Queen!

Gracious thanks to Tom...for his contribution to us.

Forwarding to my Readers...prepared by Merle Baird-Kerr...May 17, 2020

Comments always welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca