Link and Learn: Justin Sandercoe can play guitar

During Ollie’s 3rd birthday party (before Thomas the Train cake was served) I talked with his other grandfather, a man who plays guitar a bit, like I do.

He recommended I go to Justin Sandercoe’s website to view his guitar lessons and UTube offerings, and this morning I did.

The boy can play guitar.


["Ma, I wanna be a rock star": GAH circa 1965]

And he offers guitar lessons, from beginners to advanced, that are quite easy to follow and advice that is quite worthwhile.

Like, I already know 6 chords so I’m well on my way.

I just thought, if you are like me, i.e., a bit shy about playing in public but still like to sing or write a few songs, you might find it worthwhile to link to Justin’s site and learn more than you already know.


["Like this song?": GAH 2008]

One day you too might be a star and play one of your own songs at a local music club.

And a one and a two...

***

With lessons I might be able to make my latest hit single sound more bluesy.

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Would you pay 5 cents for a plastic bag?

I hope the answer is no.

When a cashier tells a customer that plastic grocery bags now cost a nickel, I hope most people will say, “Let me buy a reusable one.”

People might say, “I’ll just put my items in this cardboard box I keep in the trunk.”

Or, “I’ll just carry this item under my arm. It’s a can of deodorant, after all.”

Five cents might seem cheaper at the moment but in the long run it is not.

Coincidentally, I’m happy to report that as I’ve heard cashiers share this news (re the 5 cent cost for plastic) at our local grocery store and at the beer store a few blocks away, no one has complained.

Not one little whine! Not one shot has been fired!

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How do you see or handle the plastic bag situation?

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The London Food Bank Challenge: Breakfast was OK, but lunch?

I’m one of a dozen people who recently agreed to live on the groceries a typical food bank client receives.


Not a bad idea. With the number of food bank clients rising quickly in London (approx. 2,500 per month in 2008; 3,000 per month in 2009) the challenge is a direct, hands-on way to learn more about the 24-year-old nonprofit organization and thousands it serves as best it can.

How long will the food last? What will be my challenges, concerns and complaints?


It’s early days, but so far I can honestly say that yesterday’s breakfast was just fine (Kellogg’s Muxlix, tea and a snack bar) but lunch wasn’t.

I ate the following at noon yesterday:

More tea - but I miss my coffee.

Whole wheat roll (one of six I was given) - with butter, it was fine. Nothing to write home about so I won’t.

Chef Boyardee Beefaroni - Not much taste, too much salt, I wouldn’t even take it camping.

Did I say I miss my coffee?

I’m predicting the bulk of the food won’t last longer than 3 - 4 days and my wife and I will have to cheat a bit to keep meals fairly healthy. Should be interesting.

***

Are food banks under stress or doing well in your city?

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Grocery Store Blues: ‘Tis the season to make oatmeal fa-la-la-la-la

On Sunday morning, the first day of autumn, and the day after my son’s wedding, several family members and friends met at Hellen’s Diner for breakfast.

(It’s off Highway 35 near Fenelon Falls. Ask me for directions).

A few leaves were turning colour and I caught the smell of oatmeal in the outside air.


Once inside the diner I noticed our group dominated the small space.

I was greeted nervously.

“How many more are coming?” Hellen asked, wide-eyed.

“Maybe a few more, but we’re all easy to get along with.”

Normally, I’d order a good-sized and meatless breakfast but fall and winter are my oatmeal seasons.

Unfortunately, oats weren’t on the menu, and because I seldom eat manufactured cereals (one reason; 6 types of sugar in Kellogg's Muslix) I instead ordered and enjoyed two eggs, beans and toast.

This week I’ll walk over to Quarter Master in the Village to pick up bulk breakfast supplies for the next few months; rolled oats, dried currants, cranberries, raisins, cornmeal, cream of wheat, bran, almonds and walnuts.

I like to make oatmeal you can stand on.

Is it on your menu?

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Grocery Store Blues: Excellentes avec du Sirop d’erable! Maybe not.

Yesterday, I worked through lunch in the shop and when I walked into the kitchen at 2 p.m. I was starving and could have eaten anything.

Well, almost anything.

Nothing jumped out at me from the fridge so I looked in a cupboard, saw pancake mix, the picture on the box of three fat syrup-covered ones (add blueberries and I might live on the stuff) and had it in my hand when I read the following:

“Excellentes avec du Sirop d’erable pur a 100% PC”

Because I didn’t fully understand I read the English translation which included “just add water!”

And I immediately thought:

How healthy is this PC stuff, and what is it made of, if all I have to do is add water?

No milk or eggs? Blueberries?

Sure. It’s delicious with 100% Pure Maple Syrup but so is the cardboard box.


[A better idea: Photo link]

I put it away for a future motorcycle trip (for a morning when I’m too lazy to walk to a store for fresh supplies) and cooked up a three-egg omelette - with corn, Parmesan, red pepper and onion.

Was I better off?

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Grocery Store Blues: How do we keep up with higher food prices?

Crap. Where’s my wallet... again?

We may have a record wheat crop worldwide but prices will remain high, says the Canadian Wheat Board and US Dept. of Agriculture.

Many people’s wages or pensions won’t rise as quickly.


[“Kiss my penny collection good-bye!”: photo link]

Add in costs related to gas, home heating, rents and mortgages and we’re living inside the perfect storm.

Recently I whined:

“I’m up a pant size and my son’s wedding is just around the corner.”

So, at least in the food department, I will try to eat and spend less and it will honestly do me good. (And the recent addition of extra insulation in the attic and walls of this old house will hopefully save me more).

I think as bread and pasta prices rise [“during the past decade the price of bread has increased by 87 per cent”] I’ll balance things out by eating fewer restaurant meals and cutting back on pork and beef.

It helps that I’m motivated to lose 10 pounds.


["Harrison dekes around the defence..."; Photo in context]

My son’s wedding and hockey season approach and if you think new suit pants are expensive check out the price of hockey pants!

How are you adjusting to rising food prices?

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