Last Saturday evening Marcia had crashed early, and I (as did most of Canada) tuned in to the CBC. No, not to the Olympics coverage, no, not to listen to the mia culpas offered by swimmers as a result of busting up a gas station bathroom. But, to listen to Canada’s Band; the Tragically Hip.

Steadfastly pouring out Canadiana rock for the past 30 years, this live, landmark, three-hour concert would most likely be the last for this band. Their frontman and lyricist, Gord Downie, had recently been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer.

So here I sat on a windy rainswept night in the woods, at the same time Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, sat in the Kingston arena. Trudeau watching the show live, me listening on satellite radio; both of us totally captivated for three hours by a wonderful and moving concert. Definitely it was a; “how one spends a great evening in the bush time”.

Now a sip of our new morning coffee – Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend. This change is a result of going through the nine pounds of White Castle coffee brought up in May.

“If a tree falls in a forest, what makes you so sure it fell in the first place if no one was around to see it fall? I have no clue. For all I know, the Green Giant could’ve picked it up and placed it there on the ground..” ~ Mike Farkas, ILSTU Grad

If a Tree falls – actually, in the forest it does sound like an old WWII “Big Bertha” going off. Yesterday while reading lakeside I heard what I thought was a gunshot. Then a second ‘shot’. OK, Bear season is about to start and this was just someone sighting in their scope by the sand pits – or so I thought.

That is when a deep rumble started. Then a whole bunch of very loud cracks. That was followed by a whole bunch of crashing sounds. On a sunny, windless, afternoon a large tree across the cove from us had just come down – probably as a result of the major rains we got several days ago. So, if a tree falls in a forest and no one is there, it still makes no sound since it can’t, but, yes, I did hear it.

Rail Motor Cars – or “putt-Putts” made a run through these parts. Using idle rails the national association of operators of these cars rode the rails on a run between Sault Ste. Marie and Espanola, Ontario; 282 miles round trip. These vintage cars were once used to carry employees to spots where their work was required, i.e. repair a crossing signaling system, and such.

An hour late they arrived at Bruce Station (their first stop) just as more rains came blowing in. They were late; after all they had to stay true to the traditions established by North American passenger rails. But the 25 cars were lovely and it was such fun.

Beast – While hanging out stomping my feet and waiting for the “putt-putts” I ran into a fellow American. For reasons way beyond the bounds of this Rambling he had brought up a recently purchased 5-ton 6X6 truck sold as surplus by our military – with 20,000 miles on it, it looked absolutely brand new.

As luck would have it I was invited for a short, very bouncy, kidney shaking, jaunt around the two streets comprising the small town of Bruce Station. Let it be said; “it was a thrill”.

Animal Planet – Red Breasted Mergansers crash landed (dove) into the lake right next to our dock. Managed to get this photo. Then, fifteen or so minutes later (after I had packed the camera) six more came in. Beautiful birds with their untidy crests.

Yesterday morning I walked our northern three mile route with Noreen and Marlene. Marlene noticed first; “what is that? A Coyote?” I just saw its hind quarters disappear into the bush maybe 200 yards in front of us. “No, it was larger”, I answered. Then, seconds later, a second animal crossed the road; this too, large and grey. It was a wolf, slimmer than, but slightly taller than a full-sized German Shepherd dog. It stopped, took a good look at us then, it too, disappeared into the bush. Quite a thrill spotting one of these wary animals – my first since we’ve been at Northern Comfort.

To show the size of such a wolf, here is a photo of a print found one morning on our drive back in 2011. The quarter is there for size purposes.

Finis – Happy Birthday this week to Adrianne, I am finally beginning to believe that our baby is a loving, successful, mature woman—who we love dearly. Then on Monday it’ll be Vaioleti’s Birthday and I do believe that she’ll make certain she’ll be a queen for a day. Again, Happy Birthday ladies.

In case you hadn’t noticed watching the Olympics, but when marathon silver medalist Feyisa Lilesa accepted his medal he made a sign in protest to what’s happening in his country of Ethiopia. His tribe is being forcibly moved from their native lands. Aside from personal jeopardy he’s worried about all his peoples. A shame that here, during a gathering of all peoples, here too the crippling effects of the ugly side of life in these dictatorial nations crept into the picture.

Vince has begun his new regimen of chemo therapy. Now it’s a bi-weekly event, and with the portable pump substantially more demanding. As a reminder, here’s the link to his updates: Rally for Vince. Your prayers and thought are making a difference.

Cheers.

Dirk