Ocean Scene on Comox Bay in Winter

This scene is not particularly beautiful, but it seems I have removed many of the scenic winter photos from my computer. Other people have blogs showing scenes of the area where they live, so I thought I would do this too. Today, February 13, 2012, is the first sunny day we have had in ages. I am determined to get out in it, before darkness falls. I am eager for spring and the longer days. Winters can be very long and dreary and the motive to go outdoors, just isn't there in climates where it rains a lot.

My Current Theme Song

I'm Playing the Piano Again

I bought a Yamaha digital piano - 88-weighted keys and the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto Level 8 music books to resume my studies. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I can play the pieces I last played over 20 years ago, quite well. I also have a couple of students lined up for next week. Tweet

Our BC Provincial Police

To our BC Policemen
Great honour is due
From J. H. McMullen
To Constable Hughes

A fine bunch of men
Hail, hearty and strong
Some, you'll call rather short
But most are real long

All along, up the Island
You'll find them at work
Always doing their duty
Hard work never shirk

There's Constable Bestwick
Who can look hard as nails
Tho' his heart's good as gold
And his strength never fails

Then Corporal McDonald
At Nanaimo we find
He wears dark-rimmed glasses
And has a deep mind

Dave Shand is another
In this lively town
One look from his big eyes
Sets your heart upside down

And Constable Calvert
We must not forget
It is he who lures maidens
To come into his net

Bob Owens, an old hand
An inspector too now
Has had years of experience
And great friends can show

These are only a few
Of our great Island of boys
Scattered over the country
Hiding world peace and joy


Very often their bark
Is much worse than their bite
But it pays to be careful
And watch your car lights

Their keen eyes are watching
Every move that is made
So, brothers and sisters
I beg you, take heed.

Anonymous

Submitted by Marilyn Crosbie


I found this cute poem among my mother's possessions. When I was 2-1/2 years old my father died and the police man (then RCMP) who came to the door to break the tragic news to my 27-year-old mother, later married mom and adopted my sister and I. He had been in the BC Provincial Police (Constable Bert Bestwick). He worked in Port Alice, Qualicum Beach, and Sechelt before moving to Vancouver. This was hand-written so I am not certain that every letter is 100% correct.

Sisters December 25th

Check out my new classical music blog

I created a new music blog. I will post different types of music videos from Youtube and may write short articles about music. I will include classical music as well as various other types of music that I like.

Watched Andre Rieu on KCTS

I really enjoy Andre Rieu. He has such a happy approach to music - classical and much more.

Just a mum?

I received an e-mail from a friend tonight and I like this so much, that I decided to post it in my blog. I am not the author and I don't know who is.

JUST A MUM?

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the Motor Registration office, was asked by the counter clerk to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the counter clerk, "do you have a job or are you just a ...?" "Of course I have a job," snapped the woman. "I'm a Mum." "We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it," Said the clerk emphatically. I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Medicare office. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar." "What is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations." The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire. "Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?" Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money." There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mum." Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door. Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" And great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates?" I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants." Please send this to another Mum, Grandmother, Aunt, And other friends you know. May your troubles be less, Your blessings be more, And nothing but happiness come through your door!