Reading Between the Lines…

Today was a scorcher temperature wise, and otherwise as well.

In an effort to chill a little, I decided to go for an enticing swim at the lovely Gravenhurst pool – new, modern and indoors.

Despite the fact the location is poorly signed at the main road, and entry somewhat convoluted, new visitors will be pleased with their discovery.

I parked my car in the shade, alongside 4 others. Upon exiting, I heard the slurpy syrupy sound of a Bylaw Enforcement vehicle burbling with fulfillment as it moved away from the area. Aghast and alas, parking tickets for all the patrons’ cars parked in a delectable row. Easy pickings for the picker.

It must be noted that there is no signage whatsoever indicating this was an undesignated parking area, and in fact, concrete barriers were in place to ensure one’s front wheels were not moved too far forward and off the pavement.

Not being a resident of the Town of Gravenhurst, and unlikely to return within seven days, I went to the Municipal Offices to pay the ticket; and then returned to take this photo at the site of my infraction – written up as “parking in an undesignated area”.

Would you park here? One of the aggrieved commented that he parked there every day – and others as well. Perhaps, this being Monday, the bylaw officer sought refuge under the shade of the yum-yum tree to watch and wait for unwitting victims; similar to a bird of prey lurking/watching/waiting.

Facility staff at the pool did remark that the parking areas had been recently set back from the wooded, shady area – sadly no sign to say so. I know that no means no, but how would anyone know to “no”?

Poor devil, perhaps he is a non-swimmer who either fears the water or has never dreamed of finding refreshment from the summer heat. And feeling scratchier as well under a synthetic-fiber uniform.

Discerning where or where not to park was about as clear as reading between the lines of the printed ticket.

Diggin in...

The time frames between youth, middle age, the “zoomer” years and the golden years can easily be identified by changing viewpoints as we progress. Some things do hold fast however, and one of those passions is love of nature.

I have often thought I would have been a wonderful farmer, or perhaps a farmer’s partner – in my younger years when I could heave mightier weights and toil almost tirelessly. A love of animals and skills to be self-sufficient felt like two necessary qualifications, even then!

My zeal was not quelled as life cycled along, gardening know how became a focus and included the design and building of a 25-foot waterfall when the number of years notched on my belt exceeded fifty-five. Countless hours of landscaping my in-town property was a labour of love, much to the head scratching of neighbours who didn’t quite share my dream.

Magazine subscriptions or off the rack publications which relate to gardening, nature, decorating and the search for a peaceful environment are always popular!

In late winter, the seed catalogues or bulbs and perennials available by mail order are avidly pored over and items circled in highlighter marker for future reference. Graphing and planning the plot is always fun, and many city dwellers are feeling inclined to abolish green lawns and turn to xeriscaping or other styles that are natural and require less maintenance.

Mother Nature rules when it comes to planting dates. Seedling vegetables may be too fragile until they are toughened up; and if there’s a frost warning announced gardeners scurry to cover their precious window boxes, planters and flowerbeds to save both their investment and the probabilities.

Truckloads and multi-tiered rolling racks of plants are shipped in late April and hordes of eager buyers may be seen in both rain and snow trudging ecstatically around garden centers and other outlets. 

The Victoria Day weekend is the “go” date that signals eager gardeners to start digging in.

Keeping in step….

On certain occasions such as military marches, parade route exhibitions, dancing recitals or even arm-in-arm strolling, it’s easily noticed when one participant falls out of rhythm and is “out of step”. We are immediately aware that a double skip or lagging back might rectify the fluidity, or maybe not!

Some people naturally lead the pack, with long striding steps and authority. Others may set a pace that enables several to walk as a group, each confident in their progress and in solidarity.

Of late, popular personalities have emerged on television and in print media as “whisperers” of horses, dogs, and even ghosts - influencing behavior and responsiveness with persuasiveness.

A Realtor® who may represent both Buyer and Seller clients, offers assorted communication skills; aural or visual/emphatic/or otherwise suggestive. Some clients like to be seized firmly by the halter and move through the entire process by following the lead. Anyone who’s ever tried to cajole a balky horse to walk smoothly and calmly knows that the secret is being in rhythm of movement – whatever the direction.

If the client is headstrong and foot stomps or shakes his head wildly, a different manner of communicating is required. Jerking the bridle, yanking or pulling likely will result in hooves flying. Conversely, finding a pace that suits both parties will reduce anxiety; ease flailing and bucking just for the sake of it, and eventually progresses to moving smoothly along side by side.

Whether the natural gait is walk, trot or gallop headlong with eagerness, a steadying hand and sweet whispers in the ear can earn a tasty carrot – the completion of a transaction without rodeo-style athleticism. Synchronized, measured movement with hardly noticeable cues takes practice and tenacity when learning the how-tos of keeping in step.

Staying Afloat...

The ravaging floodwaters experienced this year by so many Muskoka residents, as well as points north and east, caused a rude awakening and plenty of grief.

Year round homes located in what is usually a passable area were affected significantly - electricity turned off, and no way to get supplies or relief.

Absentee cottagers could only anguish about the state of their property and possessions – insurance company adjusters and claims consultants felt sadly popular – and in some instances perhaps an ounce of prevention invested at an earlier time could have contributed to a cure. We never think “it will happen to us”, and then wham!

Whatever our circumstances, wherever we live, and whatever our profession or source of income, the “what ifs” of life and living can be so enormous that often they are shelved without due consideration. Hindsight, as we all know can be either valuable or with regret!

In addition to the popular topics of “weather” and/or “health”, conversations turn both literally and figuratively to the meaningful subject of staying afloat!

A to Zoo…

Ever come across such an astonishing collection of teacups, figurines, model airplanes or cars, shoes, etc. that is just makes you shake your head? Many people accumulate favourite theme pieces which hold special appeal, sometimes sentimental, sometimes just because they like them.

After a Spring purge of my closet clutter, which was too long overdue, I realized that too many pieces of clothing resembled animal motifs, as well as a pair of leopard-print cocktail boots, but thankfully no handbags. That would have been just too-too!

Having accomplished that huge task, I set myself to the assortment of costume jewellery – sorting through sets that match - and a few bracelets thrown into the mix. Horror of horrors, a panther-head bracelet – bling and glitter galore!  And a leopard-look necklace and earrings set from Ooh-La-La boutique.

It seems peculiar, even to me, that I should have such an assortment of jungle wear – cheetah palazzo pants included. Grrr- even an animal print satin robe and gown; and unmentionables seen only by the wearer! Many of these wild possessions have been relocated to a valise for a future holiday extravaganza, out of sight but not out of mind!

My Mother always admonished me to never use a safety pin to secure a skirt hem or button, and always wear acceptable and clean underwear in case I am ever in a mishap and have to be rescued!  Looks can be deceiving I know, it makes me purr to think of the paramedics’ reactions even though I know they are quite used to encountering everything from A to Zoo. 

A Short Circuit….

There is a lot of media coverage regarding the purported malfunction of some governmental authorities at several levels.

Public reactions include considerable discussion, presumption and puzzlement.

It matters not which soft scandal or hard line misdemeanor is the subject of conversation.

Everyone’s abuzz about notoriety, impropriety and insufferable delusions of grandeur that are brought into view!

A comment I heard this week from a gentleman made me pucker up in merriment. His background was a long career with one of the major hydro service providers, from which he retired more than two decades ago.

The fact that this chap suffers from dementia made the slip of his lip even more emphatic…The reference was to our “electoral system” which inadvertently was identified as our “electrical system” which clearly has a short circuit.

Entering backwards…..

My fashion-savvy sister came for coffee this morning and I muttered something about what to wear for a Sunday brunch outing scheduled for two days from now.

Her ears pricked up and I could almost see her nose twitch in anticipation…The suggestion was made, not by me,  that we look through my closet and she would recommend something perfect for almost-Spring but not quite.

In retrospect, it’s positively amazing that we survived the ensuing fracas of weeding out, recycling and tossing! Even my seldom-worn leopard print cocktail boots went the way of other cast-offs!

I must confess that I am drawn like a moth to a flame when shoes, handbags or animal prints are within view. Over time I have been educated so as to adorn myself with only one item at a time which even hints of animal pattern, and I no longer fear that I might resemble the famed “Mimi” from the Drew Carey Show.

Thusly, at least in my sister’s opinion, far too much of the same – so the frenzy began.

Now that the car is loaded with bags and boxes of good, clean and totally usable clothes and footwear, the closet looks amazing. I can readily identify every item;

and pledge, from this day forward,  to neatly hang everything neatly and all facing the same direction.

Educating me as to how I might make a fashion statement is truly impossible, but I have grasped the elementary concept that shoes, bags and accessories don’t have to be “matchy-matchy”!

Still stinging over parting with my leopard print booties, I do solemnly pledge that never again will it be necessary to watch anyone at the closet door entering backwards!