A PRODUCTIVE DAY WITH A FEW THOUGHTS ON DEPRESSION

DESPITE A LOT OF AUTUMN LEAVES BEING DOWN I DID MANAGE TO SCRAPE TOGETHER A FEW SHOTS FOR TONIGHT’S BLOG THIS MORNING   NIKON D40 AT 300mm LEAVES ARE BACKLIT AND THE SHADOWED AREA OF A DARK FOREST ABOUT 200 YARDS IN THE BACKGROUND GIVE THE PHOTO IT’S NATURAL BLACK BACKGROUND
Had a few errands to run in Goderich this morning so figured I would include those few stops with a back road Autumn leaves photo tour along the way.  Nice sunny morning so figured I could find myself some nice solid blocks of color along the bush lines.  But, it was not to be.  High gusting winds this past Saturday had stripped many trees of their beautiful Fall colors.   Still some nice photo ops in some areas though but the cold gray days of November are fast approaching.  Soon our once majestic palette of colors will be no more.
 
Spent a fair part of my day on the end of a lawn rake and wheelbarrow.  It is much easier to rake up pine needles now rather than Spring after they have been compacted into the ground by winter's snow.  Also cut down all our towering 12 foot high bamboo grass.  Normally do that in the Spring but figured it might be less messy if I take care of all that long grass now.   Also caught a few more front yard frog pond frogs and carefully transported them to the Park’s bigger pond across the road where they can now burrow in the mud bottom and survive the winter.  When the day comes we have to give up going south I am going to do the same:))
 
OUR WOODEN STORAGE SHED IS SLOWLY FILLING UP WITH SUMMER’S OUTSIDE ORNAMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
I have suspected for quite some time now I may have some kind of wheat allergy.  Kelly got on the computer last week and checked out the symptoms and I have every one of them on the checklist.  With that knowledge in hand Kelly headed off to the health food store and returned with a car load of wheat free products.  So, changes are underway once again here on the old food front. 

Some of the wheat free products are kind of yummy and some taste totally awful.  Some just taste like cardboard but I am finding my way through the tasting process and must say I am already feeling better.  But, here's the downside for the furry guys and the immediate ramifications of Dad's new 'no wheat' diet.  No more sharing Burritos at McDonalds.  In fact, if I have to stick to this 'no wheat' thing, it means no more Subs and no McDonalds Egg McMuffins or Burgs.   And, donuts are out as are probably Pizzas.  I see all this as a good thing in the long run but this morning as I drove by a McDonald's, an A&W, a Harvey’s, a Tim Horton’s and 2 Subways, I knew this is not going to be an easy row for me to hoe.

RETIRED ROD had a few questions regarding the town of Goderich and how they are doing two months after a tornado struck their in August.  The Provincial Government of Ontario is helping residents in several ways, one of which is to match all donations being received.  An all day musical benefit concert was held in the damaged towns center a week ago as well.  Some heritage buildings were damaged beyond repair and have been torn down but the town is rebuilding and people are coping, adjusting and getting on with their lives.  I'm sure the town will emerge strong in the end looking and living even better than before.
As for the damages to the town's large waterfront salt mine, it is going to be a long haul.  The mine is back in production but the repairs and changes there are predicted to take up to a couple years. DEER PARK LODGE where Kelly works has actually benefitted from the mine damages because many of the engineers and personnel brought in to rebuild the mines facilities have found lodging for the winter at Deer Park.  Many of the engineering families are also finding accommodation in the village of Bayfield with some folks renting houses long term until the all the work at the mine is finished.  Goderich is about a 15 to 20 minute drive north of Bayfield.

<<< NIKON D40 AT 300mm…..NARROW DEPTH OF FIELD IS FOCUSED ON THE LEAVES AND HAVE BLURRED THE SPARKLING WATERS OF A POND ABOUT 50 YARDS IN THE BACKGROUND…LEAVES ARE BACKLIT BY A LATE MORNING SUN
And, a personal thank you to readers and friends for your comments and concerns regarding my 4 day blogging absence.  A special thanks for the emails from folks who understand the ways of depression and shared their own personal experiences with me.  The subject of depression is one of those closet topics which is too often hastily swept under the nearest carpet.  In my opinion, no one is immune from depression in one form or another.  It’s human nature, and the many faces of depression are gathered together in varying degrees by each and every one of us.  The key is in recognizing it and knowing how to deal with it.  Talking about depression is a definite step forward for anyone, and catching the early symptoms of an oncoming depression can save one a lot of ‘down time’.    
GROANER’S CORNER:((  Did you know it gets so hot in Arizona that Roadrunners have to use pot holders to pull Lizards out of the ground & ranchers have to feed their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying hard boiled eggs.  Yep, it’s true alright:))
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-Tourists see the world, travelers  experience it.
-Until one has loved an Animal, their  soul remains un-awakened.
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The only thing better than right now  will someday be the memories of
right  now...AL

INTERNAL PRESSURE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO BEAR!!

LAKE FREIGHTER TAKES ON A LOAD OF ROAD SALT AT GODERICH'S SALT MINE

It is only 4 days since my decision to drop our 'comments' section from the blog & already pressure has been brought to bear.  Not only is it coming from blog readers but it's coming from right here at home as well.  Kelly pointed out to me Tuesday how much all the comments meant to her & her
Mother when her Dad died a few weeks ago.  She reminded me that if I had turned off the comment section before that, those appreciated comments would not have happened.  Also received an email yesterday from my Aunt Jean in Florida who stated, "I really miss the comment corner that you removed. Hope a lot of other people feel the same, & maybe you'll put it back in someday.  It was so nice to read what people had to say about Harry's big move, & also the comments regarding Kelly's Dad passing away." 

 

PART OF THE GODERICH SALT MINE COMPLEX

And then I read RETIRED ROD'S 
blog this morning & he brought up another couple of points so here I am now, thoroughly
caught between a rock & a hard place.....again!!  Will I ever learn to stop wedging myself in there!!  What is a feller to do:((  Yes it is my blog but as it was pointed out to me, I am not the only one living here & the Bayfield Bunch constitutes more than just Al.   I was also told I am not the only one who reads the blog comments here either!!!.  Needless to say........I have taken a pounding!! 

Of course if I re-instate the comments section there will be those who will accuse me once again of doing this to attract attention to the blog & making people jump through hoops & over barrels.  And yes, I did receive an email Tuesday stating the 'hoop' aspect of that.  Let's just make one thing perfectly clear here (no, I did not get that from Obama) I have never done that, nor would I ever do that!!!!  Conclusion............. I am not a stubborn, narrow minded, unreasonable or hard headed person to get along with, therefore I will re-instate the comment section & let the cards fall where they may.  May peace & harmony reign once again in not only Blog Land, but here at home as well................10-4 darn it!!  
  

SALT IS BROUGHT UP A LARGE CONVEYOR BELT & THEN DROPPED DOWN THAT LARGE ROUND TUBE INTO THE SHIPS HOLD

And, on the lighter side.......I do not normally put slide shows, videos or You Tube stuff in my posts because it slows things down & plays havoc with readers dial up connections
& limited 5 Gig bandwidths.  But today I will add the following You Tube simply because I identify so much with the main red headed character plus it is my kind of humor:))  Also, at the end you will see two old codgers sitting in a balcony.  That is my Stratford buddy Jim & I ........in a few years of course:))  (speakers on)

I REMEMBER THIS SKIT WELL FROM THE DAYS I USED TO WATCH SESAME STREET (if you watch this, guess what tune is going to be rattling around in your head all day:))
 
Our weather turned out to be a complete reversal from Tuesday's rain.  Lots of sunshine with warmer temps had me in the Jeep about 10:30 this morning heading for the town of Goderich.  It's that time of year when vehicle license stickers have to be renewed.  Had the Motor Home & Santa Fe to do & from the time I walked through the licensing department door to the time I walked back out the door, only 5 minutes had elapsed.  Always a bonus when things go smoothly like that.  Took a drive down around the Goderich Harbor & spent an hour or so scrambling around taking a few pics.  It's a great time of year to be around the beach & breakwater areas because the noisy summer beach crowds are long gone.  Always glad to see crowds gone no matter where it is:))

I particularly liked what RETIRED ROD had to say in his post this morning when he wrote {QUOTE} "I feel as though I know you almost better than I would just sitting around a campfire.  There is something about writing our thoughts on a computer screen, that seems to mesmerize us into being almost more honest than we could be in person.  We explain our goofs, and dumb moves almost shamelessly and think nothing of it.  (I wonder if Rod was thinking of me here) Usually we get a bunch of comments, telling us not to be so hard on ourselves, and that the commenter's have done exactly the same thing.  Or encouragement and suggestions how to get out of our trouble.  So I have grown to really like blogging, and the friends it has brought me." {UNQUOTE}

THE SALT MINE EXTENDS UNDERGROUND FOR MILES BENEATH THE LAKE OUT THERE

Well said & I totally agree with Rod's thoughts.  Whether it be blogging, emailing, messaging or commenting, etc the written word has a way like no other of leveling the playing field.  It is by far my favorite form of communication.  I do not have an A type aggressive personality & when I come into head on contact with those types of people I feel very uncomfortable & characteristically will clam up & immediately work on an exit strategy.  Yet, if I were in email contact with the same person I would feel much more comfortable.  It is one of the things I like so much about blogging.  A person can sit down in the comfort of their own home, compose their thoughts without interruption, intimidation or confrontation.  Words & paragraphs can be reworked, ideas clearly expressed, & emotions controlled.  For people like myself, honesty is much easier in written form.  Emotions are easier to express & I find it much more pleasant to meet & get to know new people with my keyboard.  But, put me in a room of strangers & I am toast.  Drop me into an RV rally setting with all it's social pressures & I am more than just toast.....I am burnt toast with mud on it!! 

 

THAT LONG CONVEYER BOOM IS FOR OFF-LOADING THE SALT

So, when Rod wrote about probably getting to know people better than just sitting around a campfire, that struck a chord with me.  And it struck a another chord when he said, "there is something about writing our thoughts on a computer screen, that seems to mesmerize us into being almost more honest than we could be in person."  Well Rod, I know exactly what your talking about.........And a big 10-4 to all that too!!

A SLIGHT MIST IN THE MORNING AIR

GROANER'S CORNER:((  My wife and I were sitting at a table at her high school reunion, and she kept staring at a drunken man swigging his drink as he sat alone at a nearby table.  I asked her, "Do you know him?"
"Yes," she sighed,  "He's my old boyfriend.... I understand he took to drinking right after we
split up those many years ago, and I hear he hasn't been sober since."  "My God!" I said, "Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?"
And that’s when the fight started Officer!!
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Tourists see the world, travelers experience it.

Until one has loved an Animal, part of their soul remains un-awakened.

OUR BLOGGER WEBSITE http://thebayfieldbunch.com/

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The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now...... AL.

IT'S TIME FOR THE ANNUAL TRADITION

AM WONDERING IF THIS MIGHT BE A PAIR OF MERGANSER DUCKS ON THIS MORNING'S POND

It's a mechanical thing so I know I will likely be beat before I get started today & I also know if I was smart I would get Kelly to do it.  But, I will once again try to do for myself something that Kelly could probably better do for me.  It's supposed to be a guy's thing anyway you know!!

MORNING SHADOWS

I'm talking about the annual spring ritual of getting the motorcycle started.  Things made of metal that sit for very long periods of time in very cold weather have a tendency not to do the things they are designed to do. One of those things is......'start!!'  Pretty much happens to me every year.  It is just my fate in life.  If it's mechanical, I'm toast!!  First thing I struggle with is getting the charged up battery back into the bike the same way it came out.  Never wants to fit & I usually have to put it in backwards at least once.  I am one of those bumblefingers who has to repeatedly fumble with tiny things like screws so it takes me awhile to get the battery terminal wires tightened down.  Have to keep stopping to look for things I have dropped on the ground.  I generally sit on the floor & make myself as comfortable as possible because with all the fiddling it usually takes me awhile.  Assuming all goes well with getting the battery installed & I don't lose my patience & bounce the screwdriver off my neighbor's garage floor, I move on to the next step.

 

IT'S TIME TO GET THE BIKE FIRED UP FOR ANOTHER SEASON

With the key in the ignition & the choke on full I begin the seemingly endless cranks of the starter.  I swear that sometimes days actually pass as I sit upon that motorcycle cranking that starter.  I can see the sunrises & sunsets go by out the window.  Occasionally I'm forced to remove the battery, walk home, & charge it up all over again.  I generally take advantage of this downtime to use the washroom & grab a bite to eat before returning & mounting the noble steed once again.  And so it goes until one day the engine actually gives a cough & then maybe another.  If I'm lucky, those few coughs might turn into a few chugs.  If I can get more than 5 or 6 chugs going in a row I consider it my lucky day as once again the annual routine of starting up the motorcycle slips into the past for another year.  If only I was smart enough to get Kelly to do all that in the first place the bike would be purring as smooth as a kitten on the very first crank.  And she would probably put the battery in right side up the first time too.  But, couldn't ask her to do that today because.......it's Kelly's Birthday:)))))))

<<< EARLY MORNING FROST

JERRY from, 'Our Life On Wheels' had a very logical question about something I posted in my blog last night. (I like logical questions) Jerry asked....Lake Huron has no salt water, so where does the salt mine get salt?  There is a large vein of salt running underground that stretches hundreds of miles beneath the bottom of Lake Huron & extends all the way over to & under the State of Michigan.  The Sifto salt mine in Goderich is the largest underground rock salt mine in the world & it's large tunnels stretch for nearly 3 miles out under the lake. 

                              

LAST AUTUMN'S FINERY.....A LONE MAPLE LEAF & A COUPLE GOLDEN ROD PLANTS

Kelly & I were fortunate enough about 14 years ago to get on one of the last public tours of that mine.  Unfortunately I was in my photography 'down period' in those years so didn't come away with any photos that day.  I do remember how cavernous it was down there with many roads running off into the darkness here & there.   Mammoth dump trucks carried large loads of chunky salt rock to a very big & noisy underground crusher.  The salt was crushed & processed before being sent to the surface.   From there it is loaded into large lake freighters, railroad cars, & 18 wheeler trucks.

We had expected the mine's tunnel walls & ceiling to be white but they were mainly black.  It was explained that years & years of diesel fumes from large trucks & other machinery had deposited a black soot on the otherwise white salt walls.  I also remember the huge exhaust fans & the consistent 68F (I  think that's what it was) temperature regardless of winter or summer temperatures on the surface.  It is the salt from this mine that ends up on our roads & highways during the winter months.  GODERICH SIFTO SALT MINE

CHECKERS CARRIES HOME A LOG FOR THE FIRE PIT THIS MORNING

I had written the first part of this blog earlier in the day anticipating problems with starting the motorcycle.  I am happy to report that aside from having some problems getting the battery in (of course) I was able to finally get the bike started OK.  Took 7 long cranks & then a cough or two on the 8th.  A few solid chug, chug, chugs on the 9th crank & with number 10 I had the bike up & running for another season.  And I didn't even have to have Kelly come out & start it for me either...........Awwwwwww:))  

 

SHE'S JUST A LITTLE SWEETY PIE AND ALWAYS WANTING TO HELP WITH THE BLOG:))

GROANER'S CORNER:((  And a helpful tip to avoid injuring yourself in the kitchen...... Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.

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The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now...... AL.

A WALK-ABOUT IN THE GODERICH HARBOR

HISTORIC OLD LIGHTHOUSE ATOP THE BLUFFS OVERLOOKING THE GODERICH HARBOR

Forgot to include the link for DOUG & JOANNE'S website last night but made the change this morning. They are beginning the first part of their round about journey across country to Florida. TINY TUGBOATS WRESTLE A MIGHTY LAKE FREIGHTER INTO POSITION FOR LOADING

On the off chance somebody might have picked up my blue baseball cap the other day in Goderich & hung it on a post, I headed for the area of the harbor to-day where I figured I'd lost it. Of course there was no sign of my hat but noticed a large lake freighter being maneuvered into place by a couple of tugboats. FILLING THE CARGO HOLDS WITH SALT FROM THE GODERICH SIFTO SALT MINE

GODERICH has a large salt mine with shafts running out for a couple miles under Lake Huron. Large lake freighters come here to fill their holds. The salt is mainly used on icy roads during the winter & these big freighters deliver their cargos of salt to many port cities around the Great Lakes. A LOOK INTO THE BRIDGE OF AN OLD LAKE FREIGHTER

Kelly & I were fortunate enough to get in on one of the very last public GODERICH SALT MINE tours about 10 years ago. I remember big caverns of pure salt but the walls were not white as expected, they were blackened from many years of diesel exhausts belching from large trucks, dozers, & drilling machines. A huge underground crusher breaks the large salt deposits into small managable segments & conveyers them to the surface. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of that December tour years ago.Watched two hard working little tug boats wrestle Cuyhoga, a large lake freighter up to the jetty alongside the salt mine. Within minutes a large onboard rolling crane began lifting off huge hatch covers & a mammoth conveyer system from the salt mine protruded out & began loading tons & tons of salt into the ships cargo holds. PROPELLER BLADES & SHIP'S WHEEL ON THE GROUNDS OF THE MARINE MUSEUM IN THE HARBOR

In the inner harbor was another large freighter tied up alongside tall grain elevators. Could see crew members on the Algoway's deck with welders working on various pieces of equipment. I remembered years ago when I drove for the Stratford Airporter coming here to Goderich with a ten passenger van just a few days before Christmas & picking up half a dozen or so sailors with heavy dufflebags full of gear. Their ship was wintering over in the Goderich harbor & they were all heading for the Toronto airport to fly home for Christmas. I remember picking the fellas up somewhere around the grain elevators. FISHING LESSONS IN THE HARBOR MOUTH

Somebody recently asked where I get all those old groaners at the end of the blog each day or do I make them up myself. I can tell you no, I don't make them up but I do know where to find them. The inquiry did give me an idea though so beginning to-day the groaners at the end of the blogs will be called......Groaners Corner:)) THE GODERICH LIGHTHOUSE

I sometimes think big cushy recliners are designed for the sole pupose of rendering it's occupant totally unconscious in as short a time as possible. Upon returning from Goderich this afternoon I brewed up my 2 o'clock coffee, gently wiffled myself into the recliner, switched on CNN news, & promptly floated off to la la land. By the time I got back my full cup of cold coffee was still in my hand sitting on my lap. The recliner had won another one............................!! CANADIAN COAST GUARD VESSEL DWARFED BY THE MIGHTY LAKE FREIGHTER, CUYAHOGA

I added a new photo album of the pictures I took at the Goderich harbor to-day. You can see them HERE.

GROANER'S CORNER: I couldn't quite remember how to throw a boomerang, but eventually it came back to me.

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