Lab Dispatch ABCV2020xv7v3

Our work continues to build steadily and we are pleased to report on the successes of our new generation, our colourful Covid Youth Squad, Omicron. Proud as we are of our history as the oldest life form on Planet Earth, we are especially chuffed to see what the Omicron generation is doing. Nimble and quick, …

Blanketing

At the start of this new year, my patio and the swath of grass beyond it were blanketed with snow. It was very beautiful out there, the whole world shimmering, white and inaccessible. It’s been snowing for the last week and the forecast each day has been for more, and more, and more. I got …

Darkness

The nights are getting longer and longer and, in many ways, the world seems to grow darker and darker. It’s cheering to see the Christmas lights celebrating the year and it’s good to know that as of Wednesday the days will be getting a little bit longer each day, although at first the brightening will …

More About Trees: Legacies

NOTE; A donation made by an anonymous donor means that all donations received between today and December 30th will be matched up to a total of $10,000. So please donate now for your donation to be matched! It’s been wonderful to see the response to my Tree Time blog. Many people donated and wrote positively about the …

Tree Time

When I was a child, there was much excitement about getting the Christmas tree. That was long ago, and most people found a place where they could chop down a tree to bring home and decorate. That was a wonderful seasonal adventure. Years later, with a child of our own, the tradition continued. In mid-December, …

Grief and Roses

I spent the past weekend participating in a three-day conference on grief and wellness offered by the Lumara Society (lumarasociety.org). There were keynote speeches, panels and over 50 workshops which included intelligent and inspiring perspectives on grief and loss. It was frequently noted by participants that love is the partner of grief, and there was …

Remembrance Day

The red and green and tinsel greed and glitter of the next big holiday are now appearing, without bothering to wait for the pumpkins and skeletons to be put away – and without pausing to allow some space for Remembrance Day. Some people referred to the year 2020 as “The Pause,” and I think it …

Thinking of Trees

Unlike many people these days, I write letters. Real mail! I’m a great supporter of Canada Post and for the most part, I love getting mail. But in the last two weeks I’ve received mail from nine very fine charitable organizations, several of whom I sometimes support financially. These included “free gifts” of three calendars, …

Thanksgiving

  I didn’t get my blog written yesterday, because I was too busy celebrating thankfulness. Last year we were a small bubble of a family in lockdown. We didn't know if and when there would be vaccines available. The numbers were alarming. This year, though the numbers are still of concern, we're back to small, …

Ecology

  Ecology is the name of this poem by PK Page: If a boy eats an apple because a bee collects nectar, what happens because a boy eats an apple? Hmmm…. what indeed? Maybe the boy’s mother smiles with approval. Maybe the grower of the tree feels a sense of purpose. Maybe the core the boy …