Innocuous In Innisfil Has Moved

This account has moved to Innocuous In Innisfil 🇨🇦 (npub10vy…c5td)

Location: Belle Ewart Ontario

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2026-01-24 13:44:13 GMT

Good Morning #Canada
I looked forward to living in a beach community in my #Retirement but unfortunately it's in Ontario. We received a little less than 15cm of snow yesterday, which I have to deal with this morning, and another 25 - 30cm is forecasted for tomorrow. I love winter.
Did you know that every year a few dozen people die from shoveling snow - the vast majority are men over 50. A Canadian study found that the chance of heart attack after a snowfall increased among men but not among women. I've used that factoid with my wife with zero effect. A heavy snowfall, 20cm or more, increased the risk with 16% higher odds of men being admitted to the hospital with a heart attack, and a 34% increase in dying from a heart attack. Just 2 minutes of snow shoveling can push your heart to 85% of your maximal heart rate. Back and shoulder injuries can make up 30% of emergency room visits within 48 hours of a major snowfall.
Be careful out there.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Snowmageddon
https://youtu.be/e0bbKa5ULKA

2026-01-14 14:30:10 GMT

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Good Morning #Canada
If you are tuning in for Canadian trivia and bad puns.... prepare to be disappointed. I'm once again hijacking my morning post to ask all Canadian Mastodonians for input.
Question for all MastoCanucks - how would you convince a politician or government dept/agency to join Mastodon? What are the key points that should be made to motivate our government accounts to make a move?
There will be lots of repetitive answers but feel free to expand on those. Also chime in on what questions or resources government accounts might need to successfully launch a Mastodon account (overcoming resistance). If you volunteer to help contact government individuals, what resources do you need to help support your efforts (enabling scale and shared purpose)?
Respond to this post and please boost for reach into all corners of Canada. Follow #MastoCanadaGOV for future updates. Remember, there are no bad ideas, just bad puns by yours truly.
cc: @npub1clv…fsmp
#CanadaIsAwesome #ElbowsUp #MastodonCanada

2026-01-12 14:34:49 GMT

This message is intended for Canadian #Mastodon admins who are running public instances large and small. If you are an admin, please share with your counterparts. If you are a member of a Canadian instance, please send this to your admin.
A small group of us (Note: really, really small) are in early discussions on how to encourage our government - individual politicians & federal, provincial, and municipal departments - to move their social media presence to Mastodon. This would involve an awareness campaign targeting politicians, party HQs, and departments/agencies.
We are asking for input from admins to help us create a future state vision for this project, and provide us with advice or ideas on how to bring it to a reality. I will set up a web call within the next 3 weeks and hopefully you can participate. We are not asking you to contribute beyond input. Please DM me and I will add you to the invitees.
#mastoadmin
#MastodonCanada
#MastoCanadaGOV (hashtag for this project)
CC: @npub1clv…fsmp

2026-01-05 13:50:19 GMT

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Another day.... another 10-15cm....
#Snowmageddon
https://cdn.mstdn.ca/media_attachments/files/115/842/792/752/297/032/original/4342a10140fd8397.mp4

2026-01-04 19:02:01 GMT

Hey... it's snowing again... what a surprise.
Our first winter in Barrie has been eventful as we've now gone 12 days with 2cm or more snow accumulation per day, and had a streak broken yesterday of 10 straight days of heavy snow / snow squall warnings.
According to local media the 2025 November/December snowfall amount is the highest in 25 years. Based on my substantial lack of meteorological knowledge I am predicting less snow than normal for the rest of the winter. The lakes are cooling quickly and icing over due to the colder than normal temperatures. That should reduce the lake effect snow squalls coming off of Georgian Bay. (Delivered in my Cliff Clavin voice).
#Snowmageddon #IceAge
https://cdn.mstdn.ca/media_attachments/files/115/838/333/005/548/242/original/5d2cf3ff981048f8.png

2025-12-22 13:39:43 GMT

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Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/capybara-case-closed-with-bonnie-and-clyde-safely-back-home-at-high-park-zoo-1.3655886

2025-12-22 13:39:07 GMT

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And yet, despite their size, two of them evaded capture in Toronto’s High Park in 2016. They were the talk of the town.

2025-11-20 15:52:14 GMT

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So there's currently no trade talks underway or planned, but there will definitely be no trades talks if we don't buy an overpriced jet that is supported by the U.S. depending on the whim of their president. Sign me up...
#YouHadaGoodRunAmerica

2025-11-07 17:57:29 GMT

Oh no! The Farmer's Almanac is going out of business. I'll be forced to rely on The Old Farmer's Almanac for all my weather forecasts from now on. I actually didn't know that there were 2 Farmer's Almanacs until one of them announced it was closing down operations.
#WeatherForecast
https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/article/farmers-almanac-says-it-will-cease-publication-after-208-years-citing-financial-challenges/

2025-11-03 16:02:13 GMT

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"Several mid-size European cities and many smaller towns around the world have converted their public transportation networks to zero-fare. The city of Hasselt in Belgium is a notable example: fares were abolished in 1997, and ridership was as much as "13 times higher" by 2006".
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_public_transport

2025-11-03 15:21:55 GMT

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Free public transit should be a thing, but it takes some political will to start thinking about implementing it as a way to reduce personal car ownership and take vehicles off of our roads. Free public transit is far more common in Europe, where admittedly dense cities are the reason it makes sense.
Canada seems slow or hesitant to move in this direction, particularly in car focused Ontario, where Ford wants highways everywhere, including under other highways. Imagine if we funded highways and public transit on the basis of passengers per mile. We would have world-class subways, above-ground rail networks, and buses - and fewer people needing cars. There are examples of where it works, like in the town of Orangeville, which has a pilot program for free transit that just got extended.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/free-transit-orangeville-1.7378695

2025-11-03 12:34:29 GMT

Good Morning #Canada
This morning, our old Mazda goes in for new brakes, front and back, and install the snow tires. While sipping my coffee, I was wondering about auto stats in Canada....
- Canada ranks 23rd worldwide in vehicles per 1,000 people. USA ranks 10th.
- COVID put and end to rising car ownership. In 2020 there were 473 vehicles for every 1,000 people. Today, it's estimated to be 408.
- 11% of Canadians own 3 or more vehicles, 2% own 5 or more.
- 9% own an electric vehicle or hybrid.
- 78% of Canadians say it would be impossible for them not to have a car.
- 41% wish they had better transportation options to avoid needing a car altogether.
- Compared to 2024, car ownership costs have increased 9 per cent, rising from $5,025 to $5,497 annually.
Data from Wikipedia, #StatsCan, and Car Ownership Index.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Automobile

2025-11-01 17:08:48 GMT

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https://cdn.mstdn.ca/media_attachments/files/115/475/541/060/449/129/original/953e9b6bc867eeae.mp4

2025-10-07 00:50:32 GMT

This is why we can't have nice things....
#onpoli
https://cdn.mstdn.ca/media_attachments/files/115/330/127/281/452/692/original/ecd0324562d9b45d.jpg

2025-09-22 12:51:49 GMT

Good Morning #Canada
Today, we celebrate the #FallEquinox, not to be confused with the Chevy Equinox, which is an entirely different thing. The Fall Equinox means summer is officially over, and some of you missed 3 weeks of nice weather when you gave up back on Labour Day. Right now, day and night are roughly equal, more or less, across Canada, but our days are getting shorter for the next several months, until December 21st-ish. Start thinking about snow tires and Christmas shopping because the calendar moves quickly this time of year. If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, please ignore this message.
Some bonus content - your Fall 2025 #Horoscope. It's from the CBC, our national news service, so you know it must be accurate. I read mine (Virgo) several times and haven't got a clue what it means. So I've got that going for me.
#CanadaIsAwesome ##WinterIsComing
https://www.cbc.ca/life/culture/fall-equinox-horoscope-2025-1.7638561

2025-09-20 13:21:24 GMT

Senior Cassie, now in her 10th year, is looking floofy and comfy in the cat tree.
#CatsOfMastadon #Caturday
https://cdn.mstdn.ca/media_attachments/files/115/236/813/641/816/774/original/5fde02220c6dcc13.jpg

2025-09-13 22:43:16 GMT

Despite my objections, Casper is helping me make the bed.
#Caturday #CatsOfMastadon
https://cdn.mstdn.ca/media_attachments/files/115/199/393/949/994/532/original/d389cba414ea790f.jpg

2025-09-13 16:09:47 GMT

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"In two weeks..... "

2025-08-29 22:34:14 GMT

#jukeboxfridaynight
#LoveSongs
This is one of my wife's favourite songs ever since it came out in the mid-80s. If it was played at any wedding over the past 4 decades, we had to get up and dance. So this is dedicated to her and our 47 years of marriage.
Chris De Burgh - Lady In Red
https://youtu.be/T9Jcs45GhxU?si=2ua-ifna2CaiAKAF

2025-08-21 12:00:40 GMT

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BTW - if you're building Inuksuit in National or Provincial parks, please stop. Every few years, park staff ask news media to publish a plea to visitors to stop creating their own stone sculptures because of environmental impact.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/jasper-national-park-inukshuk-cairn-1.4758917

2025-08-21 11:53:55 GMT

Good Morning #Canada
I think most Canadians know what an #Inukshuk is, but this post is intended to give you a greater understanding of these iconic piles of rock. An inuksuk, or inukshuk (plural inuksuit) is a type of stone landmark or cairn built and used by Inuit, including Iñupiat, Kalaallit, Yupik, and other peoples of the North American Arctic. These structures are found in northern Canada, north of the Arctic Circle, which is dominated by the tundra biome and has areas with few natural landmarks. These structures, often resembling human figures, serve various purposes, primarily as navigational aids and markers, but also as symbols of the Arctic landscape and Inuit culture.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Inuit #Sculpture
https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/inuksuk-inukshuk

2025-08-17 17:32:31 GMT

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"Each side gets something, and each side gives something."
Russia invaded Ukraine. They are not entitled to anything. The trade should be, Ukraine gets their country back, and Russia doesn't get crushed by crippling sanctions and destruction of their military capabilities.
That stance takes balls, and it's what Putin will respect if he knows it's a serious threat. Trump lost his balls to Putin in his 1st term, and they ain't growing back.

2025-08-16 12:59:56 GMT

A very hot summer has meant mostly closed windows to make sure our A/C is efficient. But we gave Casper some open window time this morning so he could chatter at birds. He's pretty animated here after watching a large raven take off from the bird feeder.
#Caturday #CatsOfMastadon
https://cdn.mstdn.ca/media_attachments/files/115/038/540/259/270/870/original/f975e0ed589ad36a.jpg

2025-07-27 13:37:15 GMT

My project that I completed yesterday. An old patio umbrella base, a fence post from a big box store, two old wall brackets for flower baskets, a couple of bird feeders that were on sale at CanTire, and a repurposed squirrel baffle. About $100 in total cost, not including the black oil seed. It's positioned right outside our sunroom for bifd watching, by us and our cat Casper.
#DIY #Birdwatching #Gardening
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/925/403/534/925/924/original/45fc74144bf263df.jpg

2025-06-30 18:01:09 GMT

I started the morning with the objective of putting the plants we brought from our old house into our new yard. But I quickly realized all the tools I needed were sprinkled throughout my disorganized garage. So I spent 3 hours ripping out old cabinets left by the previous owners to make some space and then hunting through our piles of stuff to find the garden tools. Got most of it organized, so at least I can actually put my hands on stuff. A small step forward.
#Gardening #FengShui
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/773/317/840/408/899/original/a1ea71aa9e00eed4.jpg

2025-05-18 13:20:03 GMT

The cycle of spring continues. An apple tree beside our driveway has finished flowering, and the white blossoms are now littering the ground. But hostas are just getting started.
#Gardening #BloomScrolling #Zone5a
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/529/005/752/375/005/original/c1f00e0b22c551f1.jpg

2025-05-12 20:25:51 GMT

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He looks like he's wearing a snazzy coat...

2025-04-29 18:45:09 GMT

I won't have a lot of #Gardening posts this summer because we're moving in late June before our garden hits its peak. We are not sure what is in the flower beds at our new home since we bought it in March. So I'll add some #BloomScrolling content when I can. Here are a few early colourful spots that have popped up over the past week.
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/422/695/661/049/252/original/d8c27372624d7242.jpg
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/422/695/935/683/819/original/a745d569d83b2028.jpg
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/422/696/200/145/051/original/009375bf16c41b91.jpg
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/422/696/511/857/448/original/1cf0a5fc71de4a0f.jpg

2025-04-29 11:06:33 GMT

Yes, the NDP collapsed, but there are enough surviving Members of Parliament to help the Liberals form a government.

2025-04-24 14:36:49 GMT

In a couple of months, this won't be our view over our back fence. We will be in a small cottage community in south Innisfil, with a rural feel but more closely surrounded by houses. Our neighour has approximately 20 cows in his head and 2 calves were born this week. He expects another 4 in the next few days. We'll also miss watching the young calves capering across the field and coming to our back fence to check out our dog Harley.
#Farming #RuralLiving
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/393/395/385/802/783/original/d9d80fcece1a7b6e.jpg

2025-04-12 15:56:24 GMT

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Sorry, but we don't want Florida.....
Signed Canada

2025-04-11 19:41:21 GMT

USA Secretary of Education references the importance of AI in a recent speech, except she pronounces it as "A 1". Popular steak sauce brand jumps on the opportunity....
https://www.businessinsider.com/a1-steak-sauce-linda-mcmahon-ai-gaffe-marketing-instagram-2025-4

2025-04-09 15:24:50 GMT

Harley dragged me outside for a walk on a very un-Spring like day. Cloudy and only 1.5°C but feeling colder with the wind. I curse all prognosticating rodents and their predictions for a late ending of winter.
#DogsOfMastadon #Hiking #WhereIsSpring
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/308/665/491/593/776/original/a0497f88e899da1e.jpg

2025-03-31 18:42:48 GMT

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That pine tree has recovered nicely, although I took out 4 large broken branches that were on the ground.
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/258/504/721/591/996/original/e8c58557cb012809.jpg

2025-03-30 20:00:25 GMT

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Power is back. Now we're listening to ice and branches dropping all around the house. We're up to 2°C, on our way to double digits overnight. The ground looks like it is littered with broken glass.
Time for more coffee.
#OntarioIceStorm
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/253/145/332/042/616/original/85f050a5b40c294f.jpg

2025-03-30 17:49:28 GMT

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Went for a stroll around the property. Generators are running all around us, I never got around to upgrading my electrical panel to allow for that. Maybe at the new house.
A large branch off one of our birch trees came down. And we may have lost a large evergreen at the back of the house. Otherwise, we seem to be Ok with just small branches down everywhere. Temperature is now above zero, and lots of ice is melting.
#Gardening #OntarioIceStorm
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/252/569/095/816/738/original/14a88cdb822d8766.jpg

2025-03-30 16:53:08 GMT

Our power has been out for almost 6 hours now. At what point does that sink in, and you stop turning on light switches when you enter a dark room?
#OntarioIceStorm #SituationalAwareness

2025-03-30 14:38:35 GMT

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Pine tree in our backyard. There's a garden path under this tree, and the branches are normally more than 2m above your head.
#OntarioIceStorm
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/251/878/408/774/239/original/345502361b1f69b0.jpeg

2025-03-30 13:47:11 GMT

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The local social media group my wife lurks in has reported a tree down across a power line on our road about a km north of us. That means a few hours, at least, so we're making coffee and bacon on our fireplace insert.
#SurvivalSkills

2025-03-30 12:48:36 GMT

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Lots of ice here in Caledon. A few large branches down and little traffic going by. Lost power around 7 am, but I expect it back on in a few hours. Hydro crews are awesome.

2025-03-27 17:48:57 GMT

My daughter is looking to join a social media platform and find a support network for aspiring writers. I suggested Mastadon and promised her I'd see what kind of accounts, groups, and hashtags exist and if the engagement on this platform is robust.
So, any feedback from Mastadonians is welcome. Can she expect an excellent experience here? Any particular accounts that you would recommend her to follow is appreciated
#Writing #Writers #WritingCommunity #WritersOfMastodon #AmWriting

2025-03-21 01:09:04 GMT

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We visited in August 2023 - this video is from Peggy's Cove.
For me, it was all about military history, and the Halifax area has lots of forts and installations. Great city to visit.
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/197/708/540/082/630/original/37620e4515f64678.mp4

2025-03-19 11:21:32 GMT

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I also use the 3 bin method, but only because I had enough scrap pressure treated lumber to build 3 bins. Slightly different process, but multiple bins make it easy to turn the pile. Ours is still frozen here, and I usually turn it in May.
#Gardening #Composting #Zone5a
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/188/798/681/798/675/original/a9b6bb8136940907.jpg

2025-03-13 14:39:08 GMT

We're all decompressing today, recovering from a hectic week.
#CatsOfMastadon #DogsOfMastadon #Retirement
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/155/613/718/847/867/original/d73f74383355e845.jpg

2025-03-13 11:58:03 GMT

Good Morning #Canada
As we all refresh our weather apps with giddiness and look ahead to a real spring (12°C here in Caledon tomorrow), please remember that #MotherNature has a sick sense of humor. On March 12th and 13th in 1888, one of the worst blizzards in history paralyzed the east coast of North America and killed 400+ people. Most of Atlantic Canada received over 100 cm of snow. Don't temp fate by putting the snow shovels away early.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Spring
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Blizzard_of_1888

2025-02-20 12:07:10 GMT

Good Morning #Canada
#HappyBirthday to Joshua Slocum, born OTD in 1844, in Mount Hanley, Nova Scotia. He was the first person to sail single-handedly around the world in an old sloop called " The Spray", from April 1895 to June 1898, travelling over 46,000 miles. He wrote a book about his journey, "Sailing Alone Around the World", which became an international best-seller. Slocum disappeared at sea somet8me after November 1909.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Sailing
https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/slocum_joshua_13E.html

2025-02-05 19:40:05 GMT

Harley and I mutually agreed to end our hike early due to deep snow on our favourite trail. It was knee-high in spots requiring some effort to move forward. She was bunny hopping most of the way and kept looking at me as if to say, "WTF are we doing out here..."
Perfect day otherwise - minus 6°C and sunny.
#DogsOfMastadon #Hiking
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/952/948/803/539/639/original/b3246e7115d54054.jpg

2025-02-01 22:56:49 GMT

Arlene gets it...
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/arlenedickinson_everyone-is-trying-to-figure-out-the-endgame-activity-7291444448318701568-hXeq?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=android_app&utm_campaign=copy_link

2025-01-22 16:23:47 GMT

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When prices in the U.S. increase dramatically as a result of these tariffs, everyone should refer to it as the "Trump Tax." There should be no mistake in assigning blame about who is responsible.
#TrumpTax

2025-01-17 15:47:07 GMT

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It's been 3 weeks, but our large bird buddies are back. Total of 7 today, these 4 on our driveway and 3 more down the hill on our front lawn.
#TurkeyTracker #Wildlife
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/844/463/788/624/437/original/8d97f8cf69058f75.jpg

2025-01-13 23:36:46 GMT

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The #Gardening community on Mastadon is pretty helpful, so don't hesitate to reach out with questions. Share your flower successes with the #BloomScrolling tag and also mention your area or climate zone so we know what types of plants we can suggest. As a longtime gardener in #Zone5a, I can tell you that failures teach you a lot, but it's awesome when you get the right combination of color, height, texture, and timing of blooms.

2025-01-11 17:54:12 GMT

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Nice setup. We have grown 100+ Geraniums each year and our seedling racks are similar but simpler. Here's our repotting in late February of last year.
Not planting this year as our house will go on the market in March and we likely (hopefully) won't be here to enjoy them this summer.
#Gardening #Zone5a
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/810/963/442/107/715/original/ab83a52cf3c63109.jpg
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/810/963/667/331/069/original/ab9c28b495808daa.jpg

2024-12-30 18:05:44 GMT

While visiting with our daughters yesterday, the oldest was showing us her latest embroidery project. She made a set of ornaments for each item in the 12 days of Christmas song. Here are 4 pieces from the set. Zoom in on the image to get an idea of the incredible detail.
#HandMade #Crafty
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/743/064/489/232/187/original/f4b55fcb6285a0c0.jpg

2024-12-25 01:08:16 GMT

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Excellent concept, Chris. The next step is thinking about how to implement. Transitioning to SECs pretty much threatens every CEO and shareholder on the planet.
Is that what you are referring to when to mention fear as a motivator? That current wealthy capitalists will change for fear of losing everything? Because I spent 4 decades in large businesses dealing with C-suite execs and they will destroy people to protect the status quo.

2024-12-24 23:34:12 GMT

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Not familiar with Shareholder Equity Corporations (SECs), but it sounds similar to cooperative capitalism, a concept that goes back centuries. I think personal greed turned capitalism into a 4 letter word, and ended the cooperation. I like this framework, but any system is only as good as the integrity of each individual and their commitment to a common good. Greedy stakeholders will look for ways to take advantage if allowed.

2024-12-23 13:48:54 GMT

Casper is recovering from a respiratory infection, but the vet says he should be back to his rambunctious behavior by Christmas. For now, he likes to be tucked into his window hammock and issue commands for scritches and treats.
#CatsOfMastadon
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/702/425/809/266/757/original/5e7435c67592adce.jpg

2024-12-21 17:48:39 GMT

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The rafter of 8 turkeys has returned to our front yard to scuff up our fresh snowfall. Every few years, we have a group that hangs around for the entire winter, and I suspect this pack will be regular visitors. It's-10.5°C today, but they don't seem to care.
#TurkeyTracker #Nature
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/692/060/618/072/876/original/36cf1631135f2d1b.jpg

2024-12-15 15:47:54 GMT

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Once again, the turkeys have graced us with their presence - today, we have a male and 7 females. The male has been strutting around with all his feathers puffed out and making quite a bit of noise. I tried to get a video, but I must have spooked them, or he got performance anxiety, and they moved into our front yard out of sight.
#SexyTime #MatingSeason
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/657/613/760/912/151/original/3f301260506440d0.jpg

2024-12-12 22:21:06 GMT

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They're baaaack.....
Our neighbourly #Turkeys, 6 visitors today, seem to be getting braver, and were right under a picture window at the front of the house. I might need larger bird feeders.....
#Wildlife #CountryLiving
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/642/144/235/099/297/original/8526f53eb0a99dea.jpg

2024-12-12 14:35:49 GMT

Just finished braving the elements to restock our firewood supply indoors. Although it's currently very sunny, the temperature is -9.3°C and very windy. Snow is forecasted for this afternoon, so it feels like a good day to read a book by the fire and sip hot chocolate. I also foresee a nap in my future.
#Retirement #WinterIsHere #CatsOfMastadon
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/640/340/080/628/751/original/cad6d5c1b54ad84b.jpg

2024-12-10 12:31:28 GMT

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Lost power overnight. Ontario Hydro App estimates that power will be restored by 7pm tonight. Gotta love living in the country...
#PowerOutage

2024-12-09 18:25:05 GMT

First ice storm of the season and checking off items in our prep list. Flashlights and emergency lights are charged up, pails of water for toilet flushing are in the bathtubs, and we have a fire started in our fireplace with a supply of wood nearby. Gotta love living in the country.
Harley remains unconcerned by the forecast....
#WinterStorm #DogsOfMastadon
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/624/248/070/673/516/original/c06b50b7da19ae8f.jpg

2024-12-07 18:40:48 GMT

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Turkey Day 2.0. They started out foraging under the neighbours apple tree, obviously enjoying the fallen fruit left there. Now, they are on their way to our front to continue tearing up garden beds and lawn. All good, live, and let live.
There were 8 yesterday but only 7 today. Maybe one forgot to set an alarm and missed the scheduled yard tour.
#Turkeys #RightOnTime #AnimalKingdom
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/612/977/215/261/078/original/cb914019193d4b19.jpg
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/612/977/385/577/681/original/2a41e184b8167058.jpg

2024-12-06 19:54:04 GMT

A rafter of turkeys (I had to look that up) is crossing our long snow-covered driveway.
#Turkeys #Wildlife #Caledon
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/607/619/349/861/334/original/e5d408f75fc140ed.jpg

2024-11-25 16:49:34 GMT

Sharing the picture window.
##CatsOfMastadon #DogsOfMastadon #BirdWatching #SquirrelWatching
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/544/596/145/039/471/original/0a25a517c3919213.jpg

2024-11-25 15:48:07 GMT

A heavy frost, overcast, and 0°C when we set out for our 3 km hike but no wind so pretty comfortable. #Golf and #Gardening seasons are over, so Harley and I need to get out on the trails for more exercise. More so for me, less so for Harley....
#Caledon #Hiking #GetOutside #DogsOfMastadon
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/544/334/986/592/148/original/86cbec57d7859a08.jpg
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/544/335/192/811/824/original/3602708672f4c134.jpg

2024-11-18 12:57:41 GMT

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We have a local cidery, just a few kilometers south of us, that has awesome soft and hard Cider as well as fresh baked goods. They have a small restaurant for dine in, and we've taken our granddaughter there for apple picking in the fall. A bit pricey, but they always have something special you can't get in a grocery store.
https://spirittreecider.com/about/

2024-11-18 12:51:17 GMT

Good Morning #Canada
It's Apple Cider Day and a perfect opportunity to share information on the resurgence of the local craft cidery. Once a staple in rural Canada, Cider was pushed out of daily consumption by beer and people moving to cities. In the 1980s, locally made apple cider started to make a comeback, led by Quebec despite the fact that almost half of Canada’s fruit farms are in British Columbia.
#CanadaIsAwesome #AppleCider
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canadas-craft-cider-revival

2024-11-15 14:11:13 GMT

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An anticlimactic end to this thread. I got chased inside by rain yesterday afternoon, and today, it's foggy and wet. Since I'm made of sugar, apparently, there will be no work today. There are a total of 14 plastic bins and 18 yard bags full of garden debris piled at the road waiting for pickup by the Town of Caledon.
The last 10 square metres of garden remaining will be tackled next week, maybe, and I'll haul that stuff to the recycling centre at my leisure.
#Gardening #Recycling

2024-11-13 21:17:38 GMT

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One large garden left to cleanup, the hillside garden in our front yard. It is approximately 25 metres long and 10 metres wide, sloping up about 2.5 metres from the front lawn to a driveway that runs across the width of our property. The good news: it's only about 50% full of shrubs and perennials. The bad news: the other 50% is weeds. So, do I weed it now or wait until spring in the hope we sell the house before anything Sprouts? Hmm...
#TheEndIsNear
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/477/696/965/878/691/original/73d055ed835052b9.jpg

2024-11-13 20:59:50 GMT

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I was very productive today. Cold, but productive. The recycling guys on Friday, the day of our final yard waste pickup for the year, will be so happy to stop at our house. A total of 14 bins and 9 yard bags (so far) will be piled roadside tomorrow night.
Now it's time for a long hot bath before dinner.
#Recycling #Composting
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https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/477/618/473/656/291/original/abc288a70e9b3e04.jpg

2024-11-13 18:30:55 GMT

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For the past 15 years, the fall cleanup has been an opportunity to take stock of the garden and plan changes. Even though we're moving, I'm still thinking about plant moves, splits, or removal that I'll do next spring. I've been #Gardening for 50+ years, so I can't help myself.
Lunch break is over, back to work. I need some upbeat music to get me started.
#GardenDesign #Landscaping ##RandomTune
https://youtu.be/DRarsWWGnXM?si=sxp2fgDj7qAZeO_Q

2024-11-13 15:12:30 GMT

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It's day whatever of what I hope will be my last fall cleanup of our 1 acre yard. Our house goes back on the market next spring so this thread is a historical record of what I'll be missing. Temperature is 1.4°C so I got the long underwear on.
Got my Around The World playlist keeping me motivated, thinking about all the travel we'll be doing once we have a tiny yard in our new downsized home.
#MyPlaylist #RandomTune
https://youtu.be/_TIPjyLFUBY?si=Bt62R-cTosT4V_cf

2024-11-12 18:22:49 GMT

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After 2 days of rain the sun has come out and it's a balmy 4.6°C. So it's back into the garden for more fall cleanup. Had a productive morning and filled 6 bins full of perennials, branches and weeds. Hoping to accomplish a similar result this afternoon.
#WinterIsComing
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2024-11-10 16:30:24 GMT

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Damn.... it's raining today. Guess I can't work outside in the garden. I'll cover up my disappointment by building a fire and reading my current book, The Atlas Six, by Olivie Blake. If I'm overcome by guilt from not labouring outside, I'll just take a nap.
#RainDelay #DayOff #WinterIsComingButNotToday

2024-11-09 21:00:52 GMT

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As I was emptying the last wheelbarrow full of chopped perennials, one of our bovine neighbours came over to investigate. She might be thinking our compost bin at our back fence looks like a salad bar.
#Cows #Moocher
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2024-11-09 20:53:39 GMT

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Done for today and made some decent progress. Gardens look so bare once the perennials and weeds are gone. This shade garden is usually overflowing with Hostas and Astilbe.
Compost bin is at max capacity, so I'll top this off with shredded leaves and grass clippings after my final mowing of the season. There's a lot more garden clean-up to be done, so the rest will go out with the weeds on yard waste day this Friday.
#Composting #WinterIsComing
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2024-11-09 14:52:06 GMT

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It's Saturday, and I've been waiting for it to warm up before heading outside - It's 3.4°C right now. But the sun is shining, so I gotta use the good weather and continue cutting down perennials. This Friday is the last yard waste pickup for 2024, which gives me a deadline. Otherwise, I'm hauling yard bags to the recycling centre in our small SUV.
Put on my earbuds, crank some tunes, and let's go.
#FallGardening #MyPlaylist #Caledon
https://youtu.be/_oL_pCjPgUg?si=bydrBYf4AF1Bzfx_

2024-11-08 18:01:34 GMT

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Lunch is over, back into the cold garden to continue chopping down plants. I probably have 3 more days of work... maybe 7 at my current pace...
#RandomTunes #MyPlaylist
https://youtu.be/OB_tVv18Zhw?si=eUzHTzulirwCgVjO

2024-11-08 15:45:46 GMT

Cloudy and kinda cold at just barely 10°C. Still cutting down perennials and cleaning up garden beds for winter. Staying motivated with some classic country and western.
#Gardening #Zone5a ##RandomTunes ##MyPlaylist
https://youtu.be/zzICMIu5zFY?si=kPnN0iG6mhqNPpme

2024-11-01 12:09:54 GMT

Good Morning #Canada
Halloween is behind us, and now we begin the slow, inexorable slide into winter's cold embrace. We might see an early start to ski season and a guaranteed white Christmas, but La Niña has not developed as expected, so who knows. I'll stick to taking it day by day, checking my outdoor thermometer, and adding layers if needed. And saving up for a beach vacation in February.
#CanadaIsAwesome ##WinterIsComing
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/weather/forecasts/canada-winter-forecast-preview

2024-10-28 10:33:02 GMT

Good Morning #Canada
Today, I'm off to have my #SnowTires installed - new tires because the old set is worn out. Canadians who tell you that snow tires aren't necessary are people who should not drive behind you.
Here's some handy info on where winter tires are mandatory, incredibly not in the Northwest Territories, and other useful facts.
#CanadaIsAwesome #WinterIsComing
https://www.canadadrives.ca/blog/maintenance/when-to-put-on-winter-tires

2024-10-20 13:29:24 GMT

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Update: We have removed 8 ticks from Harley this past week - 6 attached to her skin and 2 crawling on her fur. Gross.
It seems like a peak year for these nasty bugs, so be diligent and check your pets and yourself after every hike.
#CheckForTicks #DogsOfMastadon

2024-10-20 11:08:18 GMT

Good Morning #Canada
On October 20th, 1992, the first #WorldSeries game was played outside of the United States. The Toronto #BlueJays beat the Atlanta Braves 3 to 2 and took a 2 - 1 series lead. I actually attended game 4 with a ticket courtesy of Compaq Canada, which I could have sold and bought a car (1992 dollars). Game 4, which the Jay's won 3 - 1, featured a pitching masterpiece by Jimmy Key.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Baseball
https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-20-1992-blue-jays-win-first-world-series-game-played-in-canada/

2024-10-19 19:56:35 GMT

Casper is the mischievous white devil in our house. He's usually hunting and jumping on the dog or our other cat or ripping cut flowers out of the vase on our dining room table. He carries anything he wants into a spare bedroom - last week, we found a bag of muffins under the bed that had been left on the kitchen counter. When he's like this, you can almost... almost... forget all his transgressions.
#Saturday #CatsOfMastadon
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/335/812/846/684/021/original/7f8ee95863d87796.jpg

2024-10-16 11:44:04 GMT

Good Morning #Canada
On October 16th, 1690, Sir William Phips sailed his small fleet into the Quebec River basin to begin his ill-fated seige of the town. His demand for surrender prompted one of the greatest military responses in history when Frontenac replied, "I have no reply to make to your general other than from the mouths of my cannons and muskets." After the Americans were defeated, stone walls surrounding Quebec City were begun.
#CanadaIsAwesome #History
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Quebec_(1690)

2024-10-10 14:16:46 GMT

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And chocolate...

2024-10-10 13:09:42 GMT

Good Morning #Canada
Happy World Plant-Based Burger Day! Consumption of veggie burgers has dropped since their introduction, and this article blames it partly on "Big Meat" (so many jokes...), the meat industry campaign to influence opinion. Recently, the Canadian Journal of Cardiologists declared meatless burgers as healthier, while the Livestock Innovation Corporation published a contrary view. Hmmm... who to believe, doctors or ranchers.
#CanadaIsAwesome
https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/ultraprocessed-plant-based-meat-isnt-as-bad-for-you-as-the-meat-industry-wants-you/article_7cd5cb1e-3944-11ef-98a3-630c7eb74f1d.html

2024-10-09 20:24:51 GMT

My wife baked an apple pie this afternoon, originally planned as part of our #Thanksgiving dinner. "Unfortunately", it's not gonna make it till the weekend....
#Dessert #ApplePie #MmmmGood
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/279/304/100/329/954/original/3fca347085cbf329.jpg

2024-10-09 17:32:44 GMT

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BTW - I've tried to check out Harley for ticks after every walk. We are on wide open trails as well as dense forest paths, and she rarely sticks to the middle of any track. So far, I've found 4 ticks on her this summer, and this tool is awesome for tick removal. We got ours from Lee Valley, but I know Canadian Tire sells them as well.
#DogsOfMastadon #TickRemoval
https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/garden/pest-control/insects/67728-the-tick-key

2024-10-09 17:25:36 GMT

We were kicked out of our house early this morning for a scheduled real estate showing, so we took advantage of the crisp fall weather and took Harley for a hike. Sunny and 8°C with almost no wind. A 4km hike along an easy path, an old railway bed, almost made up for missing my usual 2nd cup of coffee.
##DogsOfMastadon #Hiking #Caledon
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/278/593/362/016/330/original/9ef12da9b07b2bc5.mp4

2024-09-21 16:00:19 GMT

Borrowed.... not sorry...
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2024-09-19 19:21:00 GMT

I haven't posted many garden pics this summer, mostly because our garden beds have been neglected because of getting our house for sale. But this ring of Autumn Crocuses is always a pleasant surprise this time of year. You forget about them and suddenly they make an impressive entrance. This clump started as 5 or 6 individual bulbs 2 years ago, planted at the base of a young Sugar Maple.
#Gardening #BloomScrolling #Zone5a
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/165/791/424/551/383/original/1297d238320f6fe3.jpg

2024-09-17 17:05:56 GMT

Harley and I enjoyed a short hike this morning, taking advantage of this awesome fall weather.
We've had a stretch of warm dry weather and we have had to deeply water our gardens twice so far in September, after zero need for irrigation from June through August. The dry weather appears to be stressing the trees which likely means less intense fall colours. Lots of leaves on the ground already.
#DogsOfMastadon #Caledon #Hiking
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/153/953/315/335/535/original/c83374dbfcca6b72.mp4

2024-09-14 17:09:06 GMT

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Nurseries sell what commercial growers provide, so the focus is on volume at a cheap price. Over the past few years, we've frequented a small local nursery that specializes in only selling native plants, and they are also experts at reducing water consumption in the garden. We also order plants from Ontario Natve Plants - https://onplants.ca/. They have a great selection, and their packaging for shipping is awesome. Highly recommended.
#Gardening