I remember as if it was yesterday in the mid-'60s when Bob Dylan wrote and released that wonderful song that became a huge hit all over the world. "Come gather round people, let's sing you a song" ... Yes, Times are-a-changin for sure!
It was sung by many artists over the years, such as Nina Simone, the Byrds, the Seekers, Peter Paul, and Mary not forgetting, of course, the rendition by Burl Ives https://youtu.be/AB5tT1L72Xw which Donna said was "very appropriate" yesterday. I don't think there are many people in the world that would have any argument with the statement that "times are-a-changin" right now.
This virus has unfortunately taken all of us by surprise, and in some cases has taken a toll on some, less able to cope with social distancing etcetera. Some of the elderly with mobility issues, unable to move around are being assisted by more able neighbours which has certainly helped.
We have been thinking of those poor souls who have contracted the virus and of course, we cannot forget those who have passed on because of it.
We owe an enormous debt to those who must work or who have volunteered to work to ease the massive backlog of cases and to make things better for the hundreds of thousands who have been unfortunate enough to be stricken with this virus.
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| Residents of Vancouver cheering on the efforts of our Doctors, nurses, EMS and all health care personnel |
Our health care workers have been nothing short of magnificent. They rightly deserve the accolades every evening at seven when tins are banged, music and instruments are played on balconies, and lights flash on and off in vehicles and on properties in many communities around the world in support of what these dedicated workers are doing. Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts.
In my 71+ years, I have never seen anything that comes close to the synergy and togetherness created around the world as has been the case here. It's amazing to see how tolerant most people have become, how patient they are, waiting in line for their turn, and how much everyone wants to pitch in to help in any way they can.
Although I was not born then, (born three years after WWII finished), older folk have told me that it's like the end of the Second World War when everyone, irrespective of age, colour or creed all pulled together to get back to normal. It's unfortunate, it took something like this to bring that mindset home, but better late than never as they say. God bless everyone who is in some way helping others to overcome the difficulties brought on by this virus.
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Upon our return from Mexico earlier than planned, we hunkered down, having shopped but we never went through the near-total meltdown and hysteria others around us seemed to be going through - buying up everything in a survival type reaction to all of this.
It is doubtful the world will ever be the same when this is all over. They say that sometimes, good things come out of disasters - like was depicted in the mythological stories of The Phoenix rising from the ashes.
Of course, that remains to be seen but, we are pretty confident that the way we have operated before, will be different when the dust has settled once more.
The numbers now stand at over 2 million cases worldwide, which is not good. Some are pushing for the resumption of normal work patterns but we believe it could be too soon and could spell disaster if countries take that path too early. As previously stated, normal is going to be a whole new ball-game, which many of us cannot even imagine right now.
Of course, that remains to be seen but, we are pretty confident that the way we have operated before, will be different when the dust has settled once more.
The numbers now stand at over 2 million cases worldwide, which is not good. Some are pushing for the resumption of normal work patterns but we believe it could be too soon and could spell disaster if countries take that path too early. As previously stated, normal is going to be a whole new ball-game, which many of us cannot even imagine right now.
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Moving on, Spring has sprung. Many on Vancouver Island have cut the grass, dethatched and aerated the lawns, fertilized, applied the much-needed lime, and overseeded, so now we just need to wait for the spring and summer displays of flowers to kick in.
Our neighbours have a plethora of pink and white Magnolia blooming in their yards. The cherry blossoms are out on the trees, our crocosmia is almost a foot high as are the iris plants, the daffodils are up and my clematis is forming flowers and our Dogwood Tree is in full bloom, so it won't be long now before we can enjoy the yard once more.
For those of you who would like to conference with your families far and wide, there is an app. called "Zoom" that allows you to conference with up to 100 people at once for up to 45 minutes.
It works on both a PC and a MAC. The best thing about it is that it is free to download, sign up, and participate in providing you stick with the time limit and numbers rules which I believe is 45 minutes maximum per session and not more than 100 people together on a call. If that would be a help to you all who are stuck at home, download the App. at https://zoom.us
On a positive note, gas prices are way down which is good for the owners of vehicles but not good for the oil industry. I personally have never seen numbers like this before. Right now, Alberta is seeing some great prices. The lowest price in the Province is in Walsh, Alberta as seen below.
And Courtenay where we live, it's a treat at this price bearing in mind our gas has to be shipped over from the mainland.
The Plant pots, tomatoes, peppers all arrived at Costco yesterday so we went for a quick look and came away $122 poorer. So my job now is to get some soil to re-plant the tomatoes, place them on our front patio, and wait for them to harvest.
It seems like the pandemic is also having an effect on the BBQing season. Yesterday I took two propane tanks to Costco to get them re-filled. There was a line of around ten people waiting. Most had two canisters. Some had three so it looks as if this nice weather has us all out practicing our BBQ Skills which alleviates the boredom somewhat.
Well, I should jump in the shower. We have to do a run too Superstore to shop for an elderly neighbour who is on his own and has mobility issues.
If you are able, why not contact an elderly or infirm person and offer them a free service to do their shopping for them. I know they would be very grateful.
I am also reading that in Alberta, the meat-packer workers have contracted this virus in the hundreds. One plant is closed in High River, Alberta. The Unions are trying to close down the Brooks, Alberta plant and if that happens, beef, pork, and chicken will be in short supply.
The Prime Minister only yesterday warned that in that case, prices may go up as farmers have to feed and retain their stocks of beef because they cannot get it to market or to the slaughter houses, so, it might be time for locals who you live in Alberta, BC or nearby, to top up their freezers while the prices remain normal.
Have a wonderful summer everyone. Let's hope this is over sooner rather than later, and that we have lots of good news in our next blog.
Ken and Donna.
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For those of you who would like to conference with your families far and wide, there is an app. called "Zoom" that allows you to conference with up to 100 people at once for up to 45 minutes.
It works on both a PC and a MAC. The best thing about it is that it is free to download, sign up, and participate in providing you stick with the time limit and numbers rules which I believe is 45 minutes maximum per session and not more than 100 people together on a call. If that would be a help to you all who are stuck at home, download the App. at https://zoom.us
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And in Calgary, they are doing ok
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It seems like the pandemic is also having an effect on the BBQing season. Yesterday I took two propane tanks to Costco to get them re-filled. There was a line of around ten people waiting. Most had two canisters. Some had three so it looks as if this nice weather has us all out practicing our BBQ Skills which alleviates the boredom somewhat.
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If you are able, why not contact an elderly or infirm person and offer them a free service to do their shopping for them. I know they would be very grateful.
I am also reading that in Alberta, the meat-packer workers have contracted this virus in the hundreds. One plant is closed in High River, Alberta. The Unions are trying to close down the Brooks, Alberta plant and if that happens, beef, pork, and chicken will be in short supply.
The Prime Minister only yesterday warned that in that case, prices may go up as farmers have to feed and retain their stocks of beef because they cannot get it to market or to the slaughter houses, so, it might be time for locals who you live in Alberta, BC or nearby, to top up their freezers while the prices remain normal.
Have a wonderful summer everyone. Let's hope this is over sooner rather than later, and that we have lots of good news in our next blog.
Ken and Donna.
