When Safety Counts

On my way to lunch, I came across members of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee. They were looking at the emergency shower located outside our main lab, and suggested I might pull the handle that would open the shower's valve. Just to see if it worked, you understand.

Oddly enough, I declined.

I went on to tell them about the last time the Institute had an open house. A young guy was looking around, saw the handle for the shower, and reached for it. He had just got a grip on the handle when I bellowed, "NO!"

We later agreed that the puddle on the floor was as a result of his pulling the shower's handle... just a little bit.

Later, Mushers!

Birthdays in Runamuk

Friday was a busy day in Rumamuk, or at least, at the Institute of Higher Learning.

My former, and soon to be retired supervisor Dr. Greetwell was celebrating his 65th birthday, and we tried to surprise him with some cake and coffee. Well, we tried, but when sending out the e-mail to get folks together, his name was added to the message. \

He was a sport about it. He pretended to be surprised, and even tolerated an abysmal version of "Happy Birthday."

Pinky, one our techs, came in from her caribou hunt to play the birthday tune on her button accordion. She has just started to learn how to play, but compared to the sung version, it was excellent.

The day was ended by supper at the Rumamuk Golf and Gun Club, and Dr. G paid for it. I like that kind of birthday supper.

Later, Mushers!

Family News

The phone rang this morning while I was...contemplating life in all its complexity, or what ever. It was niece Procrast, daughter of sister Patience, with good news. She is engaged!

I complemented her on her wisdom in not introducing her betrothed to me before the...betrothing?

At any rate, we'll be traveling south in July for the nuptials.

I should mention that Procrast is short for procrastinator-something she tried to call me a long time ago when she was ten.

I was having Sunday Dinner with her family. I had mentioned that there was a project I had been putting off, and she asked me why I was such a "procastrator." It is a question that will come back to haunt her time and again.

Later, Mushers!

An Act of Remembrance

The service of remembrance went well, as usual.

After a brief greeting from Canon Adderly, an invocation by Rev. Mrs. Candy was given, followed by the singing of "Eternal Father, strong to save" and "O Canada". "The Last Post" was sounded, followed by two minutes of silence at the 11th hour of the day, the pipes playing "The Flowers of the Forest" and a bugle playing "Reveille". After the laying of wreaths, all that remained was for Canon Adderly to lead "The Act of Remembrance."

They shall grow not old,

as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun

and in the morning

We will remember them.

to which all responded,

We will remember them.

And we shall; we must.

Later, Mushers!

A Pittence of Time

With tomorrow, 11 November, being Remembrance Day, I hope that everyone will take two minutes at 11 AM to remember.



Later, Mushers!

A Late Trick or Treat

I received a little something from the federal government yesterday. It was a week late in coming, but still a Halloween treat- my new passport.

With new regulations south of the border, if I wanted to fly to the States, I'd have to have a passport, and in the coming year this will expand to driving across the border, so...

a. I can go visit Auntie Upstream by air, and

b. I'm glad I didn't leave a flaming bag of poo on Revenue Canada's door step last April!

Later, Mushers!

Lessons from the Animal Kingdom

There was a knock on the door, and there stood little Jake Membertou. He is one of the local kids here in Rumanuk, and has a habit of showing up on baking day.

While having one of whatever is cooling, he would tell us what he learned in school. For example, yesterday his teacher was telling the class that humans were the only creatures on earth that stutter. His buddy, Joseph, raised his hand and said that cats stutter too.

When his teacher asked how he knew this he replied that he had been in the backyard with his cat Butch, when a Doberman came into the yard. Butch went "Fffff! Fffff! Fffff!", but couldn't get the word out before the dog ate him!

I am so glad I am not a teacher!

Later, mushers!