Fireworks | willowdot21

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE :– Aug.23/2014

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Welcome to Willow’s weekly coffee and tea garden. My name is Paul and I’m happy to be here once again in the garden tending to your needs for a cuppa, and sweets. I must say, it’s great to see you all here in this relaxing atmosphere surrounded by flowers and butterflies. Have a seat where you choose, at a table in the sun or shade, and I’ll be happy to bring a pot of whatever beverage you prefer – we have a wide range of teas and coffees to satisfy our world-wide readership. We can relax a while but this week we are not stopping here, we are off to Gene’O’s place, he has invited us all to his place for coffee!! Willow and her guests will be meeting us there too. We can still discuss the affairs of the week both personal and/or worldwide Just somewhere different For one week only. .

How has your week been?

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The weather here has been hinting at fall this week – cooler night time temperatures and warm but dry daytime weather. Not wanting summer to fade, I chose a Spring Garden painting this week to celebrate life bursting free. I hear from bloggers in the North Eastern US that some trees are starting to show their colors already. Not so here yet, but it won’t be long. How about where you live – any signs of season change yet?

It always surprises me when those who live in the southern hemisphere report the arrival of their spring when our fall is just starting. Intellectually, I know this is so, but I’ve only ever lived in the Northern hemisphere so for me the arrival of September is the beginning of Fall followed by winter. Fall is arriving soon

Would you like refill of your beverage? Perhaps a scone or a piece of cake? It’s all free of calories here even at Gene’Os.

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I read the news daily and it all seems so negative and violent – Iraq, Ferguson, Africa, Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, Ebola – and on and on. I think I may stop and focus on the good things that happen everyday, perhaps on a much smaller scale but still positive. For instance Halifax (Nova Scotia, Canada – where I grew up) is getting a new library according to the Globe and Mail. It cites increasing library visits and usage as an important part of the decision. I would never have guessed that in this wired world, that library usage would be increasing. I am always surprised when I visit the library here, at how much they have embraced the changing world with computers, tutorials, and an increasing book collection.

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Above is how the library will look when finished. How is the library in your area doing? Do you visit often? Why do you think that book use is increasing in this electronic world?
When I was growing up, much was made of the development of electronics to the point where it was predicted that we were entering a paperless society. It seems that total shared information has increased, including paper
based assets. Personally, I love the feel of a book in my hands, feeling a part of the story.
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So what good news have you heard lately? Is there anything special happening in your town or life that has cheered you up? Or any good news you’ve heard? Personally, I was accepted recently to a prescription insurance program and have just started using it. There were a few glitches to work through requiring some more paperwork (for instance because I’m a dialysis patient the program will cover calcium and vitamin replacement medication with special dispensation – so all that info had to be faxed to the pharmacy). But now I sit happily with a supply of the medication I need and a program that will allow constant replacement as needed. It feels good not to worry about that anymore.
How does the medical/ prescription system work where you live? Could it use improvement or are you happy with the way it is?
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Would you like another cuppa and a sweet? Don’t be shy, ask and ye shall receive.
There’s lots to go around. It’s beautiful out here in Gene’O’s garden with the flowers and butterflies, isn’t it?

Mind blowingly beautiful

So, back on the topic of good news, we just finished up an international fireworks competition (during a 2 week period) here in Ottawa. It was historically held over at an expensive resort (Casino du Lac-Leamy) that was not very accessible. This year they moved it to a much more viewable site in the city at the Canadian Museum of History. I twas absolutely mind-blowingly beautiful.

This site is on the Ottawa River that runs through the city, and the participants used the reflection off the water to enhance the effect – even, in the above right case, drawing a giant bug in fireworks and reflections. That shot is from the Denmark presentation. You can take a look at the highlights of the competition by country here It is fabulous.The Resort which sponsored the spectacle kindly moved it so that everyone could see it for miles on both sides of the river.

Have there been any celebrations or community events in your area this week? Do you attend or watch?

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Would you like another cuppa? Gene’O Willow and I are honored that you dropped by the garden today to visit. I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself and the conversation and please feel free to look around at Willow’s and Gene’O other posts while you’re here. We look forward to seeing you in the garden again next week.