The
Squamidian Report – March 30 / 13
Issue #566
Including:
The Ontarion
Hi All,
Some observations....
Kitchener streets are in atrocious condition. I can't believe how rough and broken and dilapidated they are, every one of them. Its bump after bump, hole after hole and wide crack after wide crack. I came across as section of road where a whole intersection had been repaired and re-surfaced. I could tell by the colour and surface texture of the asphalt that this work was quite resent. However, there were already noticeable dips and humps. There was already numerous cracks showing. This newly paved section of road was already falling apart, just like all the other streets and roads in the area. Beyond the obvious structural failure of the KW roads there is the frustration of trying to drive on them. They shake and jar the vehicles to pieces. I was finding that the streets I was driving on were also shaking me to pieces. My poor innards that are just getting over being pulled apart would start to throb as I endured to pounding from driving around. I'd bet the local tire repair and suspension repair shops are loving it. They must be swamped with a never-ending supply of customers who have damaged their vehicles by hitting holes and humps.
Then there are the red lights, way back when I lived here I used to get quite frustrated by the endless red lights. It didn't seem to matter where or when you drove, you (or at least me), would hit every light red. Well, that has not changed. It is still possible to drive right across town on Ottawa St without hitting a single green light. Nothing has changed, I can still hit every light red. Pull away, accelerate and then brake to a stop, light after light. It drove me nuts then and it drives me nuts now.
But there is something that has changed. I was expecting security at good old Waterloo airport to be a hassle again just like any other time I've flown out from there, but it wasn't. Much to my surprise it was a breeze. The security staff was not unfriendly, they were just kind of neutral. There didn't seem to be any power tripping or determination to display the fact that they held your travelling plans in the palm of their hands. They just checked the luggage bag and the usual things and I was through. I had expected to waste half an hour getting through, but got through in five minutes. That was ok, its easier to have a few extra minutes to wile away than to be running late and end up stressed and frustrated. (Who, ME frustrated?)
And yes, I was sitting on the ‘right’ side of the plane. Much better. And, I had a 3 hour sunset to enjoy. The sun was blasting the other side of the plane until it dipped below the horizon but we were flying west at a speed that stretched out the sunset for an incredible amount of time. The sunset spread right across the whole horizon and we just followed it. It wasn’t until we were well over the prairies that it faded away into darkness.
So, my little visit back home is over. It was good, and as always a bit sad when its over. It was still winter there, its spring out on the coast. Wow, is it ever spring. Allergy season is in full swing. I’ve turned my attention to the biking season which is well under way here. My surgery had held me back from getting the bike out earlier but mid teen temps and sunshine have forced me to assume that I’m mostly healed up and recovered although sitting cramped as tight as sardines on the airplane did leave me aching for a day or so.
I dug the bike out from under its cover and gave it a once over, checked the tires, the lights, fluid levels, that kind of thing. We popped down to the ICBC place and picked up the sticker for the bike and I was ready to ride. First thing, no matter what size or type of bike, after not riding all winter is to go to an open parking lot somewhere near by and practice doing tight circles and U-turns and figure 8’s as well as slow speed straight riding and stopping. These are the skills that get rusty, but are very necessary when riding in city traffic and through intersections. I worked on those until my clutch hand was getting tired, then went for a nice toot out the highway to Furry Creek and back. I’ve been out several more times. It feels good, my wrecked shoulder joints seem to be holding up ok and other age related issues have not been a problems so, I guess my riding season is under way.
I’m going to finish this issue with a question, and its aimed at Lorne… have you finished those raisin pies yet, or is that last one still hidden where no one will find it ?
doug
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There will not be an Ontarion this week. Greg’s hands are still giving him some grief and need a bit more time to heal and recover.
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Have a good one..
the doug
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