Category: biographical sketch

Mid-week, Heather and I returned from New Glasgow.

I returned in time to celebrate David Colville’s retirement from the NSCC, along with Roger Mosher at Lunn’s Mill.

Both David and Roger were students in the Scientific Computer Programming (SCP) program in the early 1980s.

We remembered times of transition from NSLSI to COGS to NSCC. At one time, we formed a company, MCM Geographics. This allowed us to design and develop GIS software. Later, David and Roger brought their programming and teaching skills to NSCC.

From Bras D’or Lake Biosphere Association, I received their Summer Solstice newsletter.

They have been re-certified for another ten years. They have also received over a half-million dollars from the federal government, through Environment and Climate Change Canada. This will allow them to hire Doug Foster, as full-time staff. Another familiar name was Teresa MacNeil.

I recall 2001 when I was Chair, Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association, attending their AGM.

After reading the newsletter, I checked the SNBRA website. It describes one of their current projects, an Interactive Science Atlas, working with COGS-NSCC and Ian Manning.

It will be interesting to see how the new federal funding will be used by SNBRA. Especially with the retirement of David Colville.

Recent reading has seen a return to David Manners’, Convenient Season and Awakening from the Dream of Me.

From Atlantic Books Today, #35. Heather noticed Sing in the Spring, verse by Sheree Fitch, and artwork by Deb Plestid. We were able to pick up a copy for our granddaughter at The Inside Story.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to David Colville and Roger Mosher for sharing the journey. The good work of Teresa MacNeil, Cliff Drysdale and others with the Biosphere Reserve Association in both Cape Breton and Southwest Nova. Heather shared her enthusiasm for Sheree Fitch and Mabel Murple’s Book Shoppe in River John. Edward added the links and graphics.

References

David Manners, 1941, Convenient Season, Dutton

David Manners, 1987, Awakening from the Dream of Me, Non-stop Books.

Sheree Fitch and Deb Plestid, 2022, Sing in the Spring! Nimbus

Atlantic Books Today, No 95, Spring 2022

Bras d’Or Lakes Biosphere Reserve Association, https://blbra.ca/

Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association, http://swnovabiosphere.ca

This has been a busy week, full of appointments health and home-related. It brings with it a deep sense of agency. Wednesday, Heather attended a talk, organized by CORAH, at the Middleton campus of the NSCC on Heart Health.

After a morning at Kings County Honda in Kentville, I just had time to browse the library at the College. Under new books, I found From Exclusion to Inclusion in Old Age: A Global Challenge.

With help from Andrew Hannam, I was able to sign it out. The edited papers included such inviting titles as:
Social Exclusion in later life.
Globalization, economic recession and social exclusion.
Revisiting social exclusion of older adults.
Demanding reading for the next few days.

Meanwhile, from the Marginalian, I noted The Living Mountain: pioneering Scottish mountaineer and poet, Nan Shepherd’s forgotten masterpiece about our relationship with Nature.

From the BC Knowledge Network, was listed the Lucerne Festival 2018 with Sol Gabetta’s performance of Martinu’s first cello concerto.

Acknowledgements

Andrew Hannam helped sign out the book from the Middleton campus. Heather McCormick at CORAH arranged the Heart health talk by Dr Buchholz. Edward edited with links and graphics.

Reference

Thomas Scharf and Norah C. Keating, 2012, From Exclusion to Inclusion in Old Age: A Global Challenge, Policy Press.

Heather and I went down to Annapolis Royal. The drive on Highway #101 is very efficient, from exit 21 to exit 22. We wanted a short walk. Our choice was the French Basin Marsh trail, a 1.2-mile loop.

There was great bird watching on the water, as well as the occasional muskrat. The hawthorn and cherries were in full bloom. The next stop was the Mad Hatter wine bar, sipping Annapolis cider, with a view along the Basin shore.

A brief stop at the Library, but neither Lola’s cafe nor the Brown Dog kitchen were open (Tuesday).

Annapolis Royal is the home of Jeremy Akerman. Checking online, I have noted that Moose House Publishers have just released his book Outsider. This takes me back to England and reading Colin Wilson’s The Outsider.

Today, we wanted a longer walk. We followed the road, past the Fairview Cemetry to the Lawrencetown Water Supply. The road passes through Hemlock groves and Acadian mixed forest. We reached Inglisville road. The return trip was around two hours. A good leg stretch up South Mountain.

From Sandra Barry, I learned that the Winemakers Tavern in Lawrencetown has been sold. Its future may include a bakery, cafe and grocery store. This would be a welcome addition to the local economy. Brian Reid confirmed the story.

Acknowledgements

Sandra and Brian for the information on the Winemakers Tavern. Heather shared both the short and long walks (twice). Edward added the graphics.

Postscript

Thursday will be the start of the celebration of Queen Elizabeth, 70th year on the throne.

References

Jeremy Akerman, 2022, Outsider, Moose House Publishers.

Colin Wilson, 1956, The Outsider, Gollanz.

We have been working with Celes Davar at Earth Rhythms to deliver a two-hour walking tour through the property. Entitled, ’An Adventure in Paradise’.

The orchard is in full bloom with cuckoo flowers and dandelions. Trees are still in bud. Nova Spy is the first to flower.

Preparations include organic apple juice, Ironworks Hunter brandy, and Fox Hill cheese, checking the trail conditions, and what’s in flower. This weekend the ticks, and blackflies seemed unusually virulent.

Today (Monday), we went up to Port William. We wanted to buy local Fox Hill cheese.

In Canning, we stopped at the Coffee Shop. I noted that the Merritt Gibson Memorial Library has a plant and book sale. On the road to Starr’s Point, we enjoyed the vista of vineyards in the region. This contrasts with Annapolis County.

With the approach of the long weekend, I noted the availability of Saltscapes 2022 “Your-on-the-go Guide to Canada’s East Coast”.

This week, Edward forwarded me a link to the Fogo Island Arts Upcoming Digital talks.

I will try to check out the events. Certainly, Nova Scotia (Annapolis Valley) could join the cross current residency between Scotland and Newfoundland. It is part of a Connect and Collaborate program by British Council Scotland, Creative Scotland, with support from Shorefast.

On Andrew’s property, besides managing the organic orchard, we have been supportive of coppicing poles for yurt construction, and charcoal production. All examples of alternative woodland management. We hope that the new owners, Rob and Sinead will continue a different, but alternative approach too.

Acknowledgements

Celes proposed the concept of a guided walk. Rob and Sinead allowed access to the property (previously Andrew’s). Edward forwarded the Fogo Island Arts link. Heather shares the experience.

Our latest project is the conversion of the garage into a studio/office for Heather.

This will allow her to spread out her botanical specimens and the associated technical literature. The work is being undertaken by Jerry Frigault and Dubrovko. In the words of Virginia Woolf, ’she needs a room of one’s own’.

From England, Andrew Ronay forwarded a link to a set of talks organized by Planted in conjunction with the National Trust. To date, I have had the chance to enjoy two panels moderated by Sam Peters.

1. Reading Nature.
2. Farming for all.

In a time, when the County is considering ’how do you want your community to grow?’, it is both educational and stimulating to hear about initiatives in other countries.

My takeaway message from the Planted YouTube videos is that an important component is education.

As a research scientist engaged in education at the post-secondary level in Annapolis County for over forty years, I see engagement at the school level, at the community level and within tertiary institutions as critical to rural planning. I look forward to the slate of community meetings.

From the Annapolis Valley Regional Library, I have received notice of two books by Torbjorn Ekelund.

2020, In Praise of Paths: Walking through Time and Nature.

2021, A Year in the Woods: Twelve small journeys into Nature.

I am working my way slowly through them. At a time when gardening is a preoccupation.

Acknowledgements

Jerry and Dubrovko for their carpentry and electrician skills. Andrew Ronay for the link to Planted-Unearthed and the work of Sam Peters. Heather expressed the need for a room of her own. Edward added the links.

Reference

Virginia Woolf, 1929, A Room of one’s own.

Living in rural Nova Scotia, there are a number of devices that need to be maintained. over and above functioning computer systems.

My current list includes a chainsaw, chipper, splitter, tractor and bush-hog, and Z-track lawnmower.

Fortunately, I have access to folks who are more ’handy’ i.e. practical than myself. Stephane, from across the road came over and chainsawed (with a large blade) the remnants of a downed maple. He also provided much-needed intelligence on the use of a new electric log splitter.

Later, I contact Neil Bent in Lawrencetown. He was able to use the air compressor to inflate the tires on the chipper. He will come back later to replace a couple fence posts that have rotted out this past Winter.

With the sale of Andrew’s farm, we are no longer responsible for the organic orchard or bush-hogging the lower fields with the tractor. The tractor goes with the farm.

On another topic, I try to keep the number of electronic newsletters to a minimum. There are really only two weekly regulars; Emergence Magazine, and The Marginalian by Maria Popover.

Given the quality of TV programming and the dire news, we enjoyed listening to the interview with Sam Lee on the Nightingale’s Song. It was a one hour podcast. I have included the link here (Image from Emergence Magazine).

Finally, kudos to the Annapolis Valley Regional Library for their continuation of the Seed Library. This year, it features the Three Sisters Companion pack.

Acknowledgements

Stephane Doucet and Neil Bent for their handyman skills. Jaki Fraser at the Lawrencetown library. Heather enjoyed “Nightingale’s Song”. Edward added the graphics.

References

Emergence Magazine, May 1, 2022.

The Marginalian by Maria Popova, May 1, 2022.

The photograph of Buddha sitting on an erratic along South Mountain reminded me of another exchange between Canada and Indonesia. Heather carefully brought the statue home in the late 1980s after our time in Jakarta with EMDI.

Ten years later, with the assistance of Valerie Thomas and Stephen Rawlinson, we transferred the COGS curriculum in GIS and Remote Sensing to help establish the M.Sc in Information Technology for Natural Resources at Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) as part of the SEAMEO regional centre for Tropical Biology (BIOTROP).

Our primary Indonesian contacts were Dr Handoko and Anton.

In response to my previous blog post, Klaus and Shirley Lampohl sent me photographs of their British Compost Basket created on Easter Monday at Avalon.

Emergence Magazine celebrated Earth Day with Robin Wall Kimmerer. See her essay, Ancient Green: moss, climate and deep time.

”Mosses were the first plants to blanket the Earth. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are also the last ”.

Thinking about travel and returning home. In a moment of reflection, I realized that Bodhi, Siqsiq and Uqaliq all returned home to Paradise. Siqsiq and Uqaliq were sled dogs from the North, that joined Patrick skijoring in BC. Bodhi was born near Kejimkujik National Park then travelled out West with Andrew before returning to Paradise to live with us.

Acknowledgements

Heather cared for Buddha. Integrity Printing made excellent copies of the photograph. Klaus and Shirley for their contribution. Edward collaborated on the graphics.

Reference

Emergence Magazine, Earth Day April 22, 2022, Ancient Green: moss, climate and deep time.

A week ago, Heather and I met up with Anne and Bill Crossman, Roger Mosher at Lunn’s Mill.

Everyone brought something to the table. Bill had a bag of books from his Winter reading. Roger had a portfolio of his photo-art. And Anne arrived with her recent publication of the blog about her Parents. Heather and I came refreshed from our adventure to Toronto.

From Bill’s collection, I noted two themes ’returning home’ and indigenous writing. Anne’s family blog reinforced the first.

The meeting showed how each of us had used the time since the previous get-together, likely in the Summer 2021.

Another highlight this week was coffee and breakfast sandwich at the Aroma Mocha in Bridgetown.

While Heather enjoyed the dentist, I could look out the window to the Endless Shores bookstore on a cold, wet snow day. I happened to find a book at Aroma Mocha — ’Windsor Castle’. It brough back fond memories.

On the inside cover :’To Edith. A reminder of a happy day at Windsor. with love from Alice and Dan. 25/7/36.’ The subtitle reads ’An old time romance of Windsor Castle which features Henry the Eighth, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour and Cardinal Wolsey’.

I purchased the hard cover book for five dollars ! I also picked up ’My Bridgetown’ printed by Integrity Printing, Friday, April 1st.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Roger, Anne and Bill for the company. Heather helped with the book readings. Edward added the graphics.

Postscript

The snow has gone!

References

Drew Hayden Taylor, 2021, Me Tomorrow: Indigenous Views of the Future, Douglas and McIntyre.

Sonia Shah, 2021, The Next Great Migration, Bloomsbury Publishing.

Michelle Good, 2020, Five Little Indians, Harper.

Kamal Al-Solaylee, 2021, Return: Why we go back to where we come from, Harper Collins.

Anne (Tripe) Crossman, 2022, Celebrating Phil and Elizabeth Tripe, Printed by Integrity Printing.

Roger Mosher, photo art http://flickr.com/photos/solenkaru

While in Toronto last week, I contacted Sinead and Rob who had purchased Andrew’s property across the road. They manage a business, Just be Woodsy in Toronto.

They make furniture from trees cut down by the city. Eventually, they plan to reside full time in Paradise.

Last week, I was contacted by Celes Davar at Earth Rhythms. He is interested in experiential tourism in the Annapolis Valley. That includes working with food suppliers, such as orchards and vineyards.

My thoughts turned to all the COGS students who have graduated since my time in the 1980’s. Many have now reached retirement age. Perhaps it is time to go down memory lane.

Annapolis County, Lawrencetown, COGS could become an educational tourist destination. I had had the same thought when there was talk of Gordonstoun, Nova Scotia (click my previous posts, for example, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE). Instead it looks like it will locate in Pictou County (see Saltwire) The good news is it will continue the tradition of McCullough and the Pictou Ccademy. Check my earlier blog post on the Stepsure Letters.

This week, we have meetings at COGS on agriculture in Annapolis County, as well as the AGM for the CANMAP research institute. Each offers an opportunity to connect town and gown, or college and community.

After our time in Toronto, my brother Peter and I are looking at the role of place in our lives. Especially, West London and our grandparents (nurseryman and taxi driver). They were both self-employed businessmen. We hope to explore this matter in the Fall.

Finally, in the words of Raymond Hunter, planter of the orchard across the road.

”Bloom where you are planted “.

Heather found a mug at the Annapolis Royal Gardens shop with this inscription. She gave it to Julia as a house present in Toronto.

Postscript

I found Gary Jennings book ’Aztec’, for John Wightman, at Books Galore in Coldbrook. Heather found Kent Thompson ’Biking to Blissville’ (see blog post HERE).

From the Bridgetown ride,
“You can ride through Buckler’s words and Tolmie’s pictures (and words too – his text for A Rural Life) is full of insights) on this loop out of Bridgetown. The ride is through beautiful farming country. Buckler and Tolmie ask you to think twice about beauty.” p.150.

Acknowledgements

We shared an excellent Indian curry, cooked by Stephane and Jess, tenants across the road, on Sunday night. Sinead and Rob for information on their Toronto business. Celes for his interest in the orchard geography. Edward added the links. Heather added her stories.

References

Just be woodsy at justbewoodsy.com

Earth Rhythms at earthrhythms.ca

The Stepsure Letters blog post December 14, 2021.

Kent Thompson, 1993, Biking to Blissville: A Cycling Guide to the Maritimes and the Magdalen Islands, Goose Lane Editions.