Not a bank but a credit union

Libro looks like a bank. It acts somewhat like a bank. But it isn't a bank. It's a credit union. And what is a credit union? It is a member-owned, cooperative financial institution. Like a bank, a credit union accepts deposits, makes loans and provide a wide array of other financial services. Unlike a bank, a credit union is an not-for-profit organization that exists to serve its members -- or that's the theory. The reality can be a bit more complex.

What I find most interesting about credit unions is the cooperative angle. We tend to think of capitalism as the only game in town. But, it isn't. Globally, cooperatives leave a huge footprint on our world. Credit unions are but a small part of that footprint.

A bicyle adapted for two

If you not only cannot afford a carriage but a bicycle built for two also stretches the budget, how's this for an answer: a bicycle adapted for two. A pretty neat invention, yes?

With covid-19 pocket parks have increased appeal

Covid-19 has upended our world. The little pocket park in my neighbourhood, small with a minimum of playground equipment, has become quite the draw as of late. It's big appeal? It's close; it's open; it's safe; it's not home.

This family found a spot to spread a beach blanket off to the edge of the small park. One never saw a family enjoying the park in the past. Absolutely never. But today the park is a veritable magnet. Go to the park, stake out a spot and enjoy some time away from home. Some folk are even bringing a picnic basket with them to the park.

A year into the pandemic and even home is beginning to bring on feelings of claustrophobia. The vaccine roll-out cannot happened too quickly.

Some days art takes centre stage

Some of my favourite blogs are ones dedicated to posting photography as art. One blogger I follow posts minimalist art photos. Her images are absolutely incredible and so very imaginative. Today's posted image was taken as an obvious homage to that lady's fine work. 

If curious, the image shows plastic balls incorporated into a piece of neighbourhood playground equipment. Children are encouraged to spin the balls or move them along a bars not visible in my picture.

It's a goldendoodle. Really!

It's a beautiful poodle with a strong presence. It draws admiring looks when brought to the neighbourhood park. It did not come as a big surprise to learn that this designer dog was actually a goldendoodle:  a mix of golden retriever and poodle. 

A relatively new breed, it has a history going back about two decades. In that time the breed has gained quite the following and not just based on its good looks. Goldendoodles are known for their admirable personality traits as well.

Crazy hair day

School was different when I was a boy. For instance, we never had a wear-your-pajamas-to-school-day. And another thing we never had was a crazy hair day. Today the schools have both and that is why my granddaughter wore a colourful paper plate incorporated into her hair style today.

Crazy hair day: I call it nonsense. The kids, students, call it fun. Oh well, she is learning to speak French. The school must be doing something right.

Mountain biking about the neighbourhood

I live in Byron, a neighbourhood in the southwest of London. It has an extensive suburban development on its hilly terrain in the southern end of  the former village. 

Decades ago there was a large garbage dump immediately in front on my home. The dump is long gone but it still produces methane. There are vents here and there to remove the gas safely. No homes or other structures can be built on the the contaminated soil.

That doesn't mean the land doesn't have value. It does. The neighbourhood kids treasure the open space, the twisting trails and small groves of trees. The paths provide popular shortcuts to other streets and courts. I often see a young mountain biker bursting from the never-to-be-developed land. They fly over the edge of a ridge and if you are not expecting them, it can be quite the surprise.