More Winter Pictures

I went to Kingsville again Saturday, as Deb needed assistance with a new and bigger table for her mother.  It was delivered, and I headed down to Lakeside Park to read, as well as take a short walk.  It was a sub-arctic day, with blasting winds and very cold temps.  Overnight the winds had been wild, and though they were calming down somewhat, I didn't stay out long.

An unnamed creek exits into Lake Erie, with a lot of ducks hanging about.

 Similar shot towards Lake Erie.

Two images of snow dunes, caused by fresh snow and high winds.

Snow dune #2.

 

The park is on a bluff overlooking Lake Erie.  There is open water farther out, looking south towards Ohio. 

There is one movie to report.  We watched Ken Russell's The Music Lovers, from 1971.  It is an over the top look at the life of Tchaikovsky, starring Richard Chamberlain and Glenda Jackson.  It is colourful, and it does have some basic biographical things correct, and there is a lot of the composer's music in it.  So worth a look for Russell fans, and other strange people.

Showing until Feb. 28th on Criterion. 

 

We watched an amazing concert last night, the DSO live from Orchestra Hall.  The main work was the Beethoven 7th Symphony, and they played the pants off of it.  If only the composer could be alive (and not deaf) to hear such a performance.  Next Saturday (8 pm EST) is the Mahler 1st, another top favourite work.  Our current conductor is likely the best one the orchestra has ever had (and we have been around for at least 7 of the permanent conductors).  The rapport with the orchestra is the finest anyone could wish for, and his conducting manner and technique are too perfect.  The concerts are broadcast free.  Go to DSO Live From Orchestra Hall to watch (and listen).

 

As of March 1st Canadians who are vaccinated will be able to return from the US without having to get a Covid test again.  The rule was reinstated a few months ago, and is finally lifting.  I really hope I can get over there for a day.  It will be two years on March 10th since I have visited.  I think I am finally ready to go.  Most places, such as museums and concert halls over there, still have mask requirements, thankfully. If I go over, you will read about it here, first.

 

Mapman Mike

 

Breaking Winter's Back

 Despite the relatively long winters in most of Canada, our area is always the first to see the signs of Spring.  While we aren't seeing them yet, it won't be long now.  Almost like clockwork, mid-February is the time when winter's back is broken.  This year it looks as if it will hit on February 16thm which is also the next full moon.  There will be a large celebration that day and night at the Homestead!  We are in another massive cold spell, and we won't go above the freezing mark until Wednesday, but at least we can see the light now.  Much of our snow is gone, having vanished during our mild day this past week, which also saw a lot of rain fall here.

As I write, the police are trying to evict the Trumpian Canadians holding the international bridge to the USA hostage (they are waving signs that say, among other things "Trump 2024").  There is little to no sympathy for these poor lost souls among Canadians, most of whom are vaccinated and loyal to wearing masks for now, and everyone just wants them to go home and have a life.  Hoping they do.

In movie news, the only film of interest lately has been Stevie, starring Glenda Jackson as poetess Stevie Smith.  The production is first rate, and its mixture of theatre and film techniques works miracles for the lucky viewer.  Jackson is truly wonderful to watch, as is Mona Washburn as the old aunt who lives with her.  Highly recommended, and this was our first viewing.

Leaving Criterion February 28th/22 

In other film news, I have been trying to find out the name of a movie we saw a few years ago.  I distinctly remember several scenes from it, but Deb had no memory.  I knew that I had blogged about it, but when?  I finally located the blog, from June of 2016.  The problem was that all the images from that year's blog did not transfer to blogger.  So I could not see the damn poster.  But I finally found out the title.  It is called The Great Beauty, and I found it on Criterion!!!  So my next week choice is made.  It's been six years since I have seen this fabulous film, and I can't wait to see it again. 

The scanning of old family slides continues to be a lot of fun, putting me back into contact with cousins and family friends.  I include a few more precious moments for perusal.

Left to right: Mapman himself, my late Uncle Jimmy, and cousin Judith.  Taken around 1956 at Lake Penage, where Jimmy lived and my grandparents ran a marina and tourist camp.

The family Christmas photo, around 1960.  I got some rockets!

Part of my 4th or 5th grade class graduation.  I am 4th down, right side, in a dark suit.

That's all the news for now.  Check back soon for more fascinating blogging.

Mapman Mike

 

Catching Up

It's been awhile.  Where have I been, you may ask.  Mostly out in a faraway field with my telescope.  We have had an unprecedented run of 7 clear nights in a row.  And not just clear.  Really, really, clear, and with very low (for us) humidity.  That means the skies have been very transparent, due to less moisture in the air.  And that means I haven't been sleeping nearly enough.  My drive takes 100 minutes, return, a distance of 78 miles (return).  I went out Saturday night the 13th, then again Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.  By Wednesday I could no longer function in the real world, and so I passed on going out again Wednesday night.  But Thursday I was back at it.  It will likely be clear tonight (Friday), but I am done for this session.  It doesn't get dark until 10:45 pm, so my nights have been late ones.  Today I am trying to get my body clock back into some semblance of normality.

I've also written up a lot of observing notes, though I've managed to continue with a bit of writing on Valeria 2, and even to keep up a bit of piano practice.  Reading has slowed down, but should resume again today.  And there are two more movies on which to report.  

But first, I must conclude my 5 senses project, based on last term's tarot card.  Tomorrow is the summer solstice, and new cards will be revealed.

Touchy Feely: 

Deb's lips (softer than soft)

Sun on my face

Cool water from a northern Ontario lake while swimming

Gustav the cat (softer than soft, but a bit furry, too)

A katana in one's hand.

My film choice last week was Dino Risi's Il Sorpasso, a film filled with amazing images and situations, and right up there now in my list with La Dolce Vita.  The extras with the Criterion showing well exceeded the length of the movie, and were also fun to watch.  Essentially the first road movie, it influenced an entire generation of such films, such as Easy Rider.  Italy in 1962 has never looked better.

 Now showing on Criterion Channel. 

Deb's choice was Hopscotch, a spy movie spoof from 1980 starring the unlikely pairing of Walter Matthau and Glenda Jackson.  They have amazing chemistry, and the movie is fun to watch (no extras). Matthau retires from the CIA after he is demoted, and sets about getting his revenge.  Jackson also used to work for the secret service in the past.  The movie is filled with the music of Mozart, and part of it was filmed in Salzburg.

Now showing on Criterion Channel. 

I will try and post another good painting tomorrow from the DIA for summer solstice, so come back soon.

Mapman Mike