Happy Easter!

Bridget's finally enjoying spring sunshine ... no more snow!  Actually, it's been trying to snow off and on all week, but I refuse to acknowledge it!

Someone asked WHO IS THE STATUE LADY?  Bridget was a well-known and well-loved social worker / rabble rouser / writer up here, and someone commemorated in statue form her and her generous habit of taking the time to really listen to people.  Her statue, which is a very good replica of Bridget, sits on a bench right in the area of downtown where she met many of her clients.  Bridget was special to me for encouraging my interest in writing at a particularly low point in my life, so I always take the time to stop by her bench and say hello when I'm in that part of downtown.

Another sure sign of spring ...

... election campaign signs are sprouting!  We are facing a federal election in 10 days or so, and probably a provincial election shortly after that.  I'm NOT a very political person.  I grew up in a household with a man who was extremely "modern" in many ways, but who believed women should not vote, and if they did vote, they should only be allowed to vote as instructed by the man of the household.  Then I lived with a "Union Man" with VERY specific political beliefs and who expected the woman in HIS household to share those beliefs (I didn't).  Consequently, it has been easier for me to be "non-political" over the years, and that turned into a comfy slide into political apathy.  

One of the things that I REALLY DETEST about current Canadian politics is the mud-slinging and bad-mouthing that goes on.  We had a local candidate come into our office this past week, and all that came out of his mouth was negative stuff ... everything that our current MP, his party, and all the other candidates have done wrong, continues to do wrong at present, and will undoubtedly do wrong in future.  That crap seriously makes my eyes glaze over!  Finally the dude complained about apathetic voters, and then I felt obligated to "share" with him why I'm an apathetic voter ... I want a little square on the ballot for "none of the above 'cuz they are ALL NEGATIVE MUD-SLINGING BAD-MOUTHING STUPID IDIOTS who should never be trusted to run my country in a positive and civilized manner!"  Okay, I MIGHT HAVE said a little more than that ... in a much less polite manner ... 'cuz he decided to terminate his visit here rather quickly!  I don't "talk politics" often, but when I do ...

Ooh, and another thing about the current federal election campaign that's really annoying me?  One of the federal party leaders has started shouting "Rise up!  Rise up, Canada!  Rise up!"  He sounds like a Southern Baptist Minister (sorry, y'all down South ... no offense intended!) instead of a potential Prime Minister, and that's just wrong.  I always rush to turn off the radio when I hear that line starting up.  ICK!

Enough with the politics already.

Last summer, I adopted a badly neglected Christmas cactus.  The poor thing was so thirsty that it was shrivelled.  Took several months to get it looking happy, and this past week, it rewarded me with flowers.  The interesting thing is, there are red, pink and white flowers all at the same time on it!  Must be three different cacti in one pot.  It's sitting on the castle of my floor loom and gets morning sun throught the balcony door.

Last month, I did some "emergency" curtain sewing for some friends, and was recently rewarded for my efforts with ...

... a Moroccan recipe book, and ...

... a set of Moroccan tea glasses (they are really big on green tea with fresh mint leaves and sugar)!  I haven't figured out how to drink hot tea OUT OF GLASSES without burning the heck out of my fingers, but have tried several yummy recipes.  I'll try to record and blog about creating something from this new recipe book over the long weekend. 

Mm mmm!  Four days off!  I can hardly wait!  I have no major plans other than coming downtown to see Strauss's "Capriccio" LIVE AT THE MET at our local movie theatre on Saturday morning.  Have a great weekend, y'all ... may you be up to your jelly button in belly beans!