Wednesday, November 10, 2021

London's John Paul II is Canada's 1st Carbon Neutral School

 

According to the CBC, the $9.7 million project will feature geothermal heating and cooling, solar panel covered carports and roof, energy storage, electric vehicle charging stations and more to make John Paul II Catholic Secondary School Canada's first carbon neutral school.

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Does climate change threaten colourful fall foliage?

The leaves in London seemed to shift from green to red, yellow and orange much later this year than in past years.  I decide to google this apparent change. 

I discovered that cold October temperatures may be the biggest driver of the fall foliage colour change. Other factors such as the shortening day length, latitude and precipitation are all secondary. It seems no one knows the specific impact global warming will have on our northern forests.

According to The Washington Post, in recent years extreme weather has dulled the colour of the leaves and in certain years the colourful fall season has been severely shortened.

Sunday, November 7, 2021

What has infected this maple tree?

 

Maple leaves are often marred by a variety of diseases. Some are fungal, some indicate the presence of mites and other problems can be weather related. Why is this bright yellow maple leaf marred by small spots? If it reappears next year, it might be worth seeking an answer. This year, the leaves are falling and winter is but days away. The problem, for now, is on hold.

Saturday, November 6, 2021

An early photo of the Ontario Furniture Co.

 

Recently, I posted the photo on the left. Then I came across an original photo of the Ontario Furniture Co. store.

The Ontario Furniture Co. store on Dundas St. in the city core was known for being a beautiful building when new well over a century ago. 

For decades the original store front was hidden behind a modern skin. Then, a few years ago, the modern facade was removed. Many Londoners were surprised to see what the skin had been hiding. The building was handsome once more.

Friday, November 5, 2021

Good jogging weather

 


The days are cool, the nights are nudging cold but it all adds up to good jogging weather. The incredible hot, humid summer days are now but memories. Soon the parks walkways will be snow covered and slick with icy patches. Joggers are out enjoying the moment.

Thursday, November 4, 2021

A good neighbour, friendly community, story

When my wife, Judy, ran low on flour right at the beginning of the first COVID-19 lock-down, a neighbour said he was going to the grocery store and he'd pick-up some flour for her. He did but he would not take any money. So, Judy gave the fellow and his wife a chocolate cognac truffle tart to say thank-you. 

That was months ago. During the intervening time the fellow set out to find a suitable dessert to give to Judy in return. The other day he and his wife stopped by with his response to Judy's gift: a German chocolate bombe. 

Wow! He said this was the first dessert that he has ever made. Wow! Both Judy and I are speechless. And damn it, this thing tastes as good as it looks. The fellow is amazing. I hate him. I'm looking for a gypsy to put a curse on him. 

I try to cook. I often make dinner and I've tried my hand at a dessert of two. But I don't come close to delighting Judy to the extent that he did. Grrrrr. Isn't jealousy and ugly emotion? Now, I've got to go. I have to go looking for a proper gypsy. (Stephen King would understand.)

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Seating for three and four now for one

 

Hospitals like the Vic in London have very pleasant spots out in the open air for sitting with friends and other patients who have some mobility. The benches and swings hold three people and the tables have seating for four. Since the appearance of COVID-19 notices have been posted; only one person is allowed per bench, swing or even table. 

Surely with so many folk getting vaccinated, soon the limitations will be lifted. A swing or bench for three is simply not the same with only one user.