Algonquin

Kim and I just got back from Algonquin. We saw 4 otters, an osprey, a beaver, loons, and more in the wild. Kim and I also saw moose tracks, and owl pellets. I think I'd like to try back-packing in next summer. Kim has all the pictures.

My weekends start on Tuesdays

Today I rode my bike to the Mansion House to clean, then I went to the store to return a mismatched car adapter I bought for charging my new GPS unit. I bought the unit to help navigate the South Western Niagara Peninsula, with which I am less familiar. I did a 2 hour drive to get to Delhi this past Saturday, and was almost late because I mis-read my directions.

I went to the Strega to get lunch, and during tea Sophie from the Raging Grannies came in with a friend. We chatted for a while and her friend paid for everyone's lunch. Then we were off to the market and City Hall to see Rod Dowling's sculpture officially received by the Arts Committee and City Council.

September

Tuesday I went with Kim to Kleinburg to see Mary Pratt and Robert Bateman, who were both at the McMichael at the same time. I had no idea that Bateman had been to Tibet. In one of his books he also mentions using Zen in his art classes. I wonder if he is a Buddhist... He certainly exhibits (!) a lot of compassion for animals. Mary Pratt didn't have many paintings, but a Japanese artist had made numerous woodcuts of her paintings. This artist using so many blocks to make the pictures that from across the gallery, you might have mistaken the prints for real paintings.

Last night I saw some poetry at the Strega, the new home of the Grey Border series. I may need to find a new hangout, as I spend so much time at the Strega now. I got 2 CDs, including a new Fave: "Sarasvati Scapes, a Sound Opera" by Penn Kemp and Angela Hryniuk. There are a few tracks that feature Kiran Ahluwalia vocals. It's basically a travelogue told in verse form with chanting, music and sounds added. I stayed up late listening to it all the way through, and then again this morning getting ready for work.

Payment due

It's been two weeks since I finished my Art Camp at Brock, and they haven't sent me my pay yet, only money for art supplies. Tomorrow the money is due. Let's see what happens.