New life in an old auto town spells hope for the future

Seven long and hard years ago Quebec lost its GM plant and the town of Boisbriand took a major hit.

1, 500 people - the last of what was once a workforce of 4,700 - were instantly unemployed.

Though more scenarios like this may occur in the future the subsequent, gradual revival of Boisbriand - minus the car industry - spells hope for other car-reliant towns who may think that without the car they have nothing.

Q: What did Boisbriand do?

A: It transformed the GM land into an eco-friendly neighbourhood.

During the time the town was suffering from the loss of GM tax revenue, a developer bought the site, decontaminated the land (thanks for the memories and toxic trail, GM) and started turning it into a residential, commercial and business city - now certified green.

As well, “developers are going to great lengths to make it pedestrian-friendly. They’re also taking steps to reduce erosion, collect rainwater for irrigation and make homes more energy efficient.”

And when it is complete “the city can expect to generate a lot more tax revenue than before.”

So, there will be life in some cities after the automobile, and it will likely be a better life.

Read full story, Life After GM, at -

http://www.ottawasun.com/money/2009/07/02/10005401.html

***

Oshawa and Windsor should take note. Blaze a new trail. Eco-friendly is the future.

.

Something stinks about our lifestyle

More than one thing really stinks, but I’ll just stick to the bad smell in Wortley Village for now.

[In spite of the smell, I still love The Village, and am even more thankful I don’t live in Toronto right now, what with their garbage strike and temporary, chemical laden, rat- and insect-infested outdoor sites filled with refuse. It must be summer in Cabbagetown, eh?]

Today is garbage day in our neck of the woods, and because we’d had a holiday and our last garbage day fell on a Friday and few people compost and the owner of a St. Bernard bagged the big boy’s droppings all in one go, a thick stink hung in the air (so thick on some blocks you could have cut it with a knife and built a brick sidewalk or spare room) as I walked to The Little Red Roaster for morning coffee.

Not only does our garbage stink, we produce so much of it. (I believe Canada is still number one in garbage production per capita - in the world. And the Maple Leafs are still 8 players away from reaching the playoffs).

The smell in the air is a definite reminder that - until government, industry and retailers actually care about the shear amount of material that gets burned or buried in an unsustainable manner - individuals like you and me should reduce our consumption of all things related to food, clothing, shelter, transportation, communication and recreation as soon as possible.

And the smell is the least of our problems.

We should be thinking ‘resource depletion’ and ‘smaller lifestyle’ every minute of the day.

***

Are there reuse or recycle centers in your neighbourhood? Do you know where the closest landfill site is? It’s lifespan, or what we’re burying for future generations?

.

Is Palin failin’ or set to come callin’?

Is former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin wilting from the glare of the spotlight or freeing herself up for a more important position?

Whatever her recent abrupt retirement signals she has US politicians, world media and Tina Fey sitting on edge.

For example, the Republican elite are worried that Palin, the world’s most popular member of their party, will set her sights on the highest office in the US - though she is terribly unprepared but doesn’t know it.

Though VP Joe Biden said yesterday he respects her decision to step down for personal reasons, I think that was just his way of saying, “What the heck is she doing now? I sure don’t know. We need more intel!”

The media wonders, is she just plain tuckered out after facing months of relentless and often negative coverage (her face is now recognized by more people than old Britney what’s-her-name; she’s even got the Queen of England thinking about buying new ‘Palin-style’ frames for her reading glasses (the turtle shell variety); and the Name Game song is making a comeback with the lyrics ‘Palin Palin bo balin, fee fi fo failin, Palin’ added) or is the allegation she’s under investigation involving the simultaneous construction of her lakeside home and a sports complex in Wasilla more than an allegation?

Whatever the case, her politics are a bit too conservative for me and if she knocks on my door I’ll say, you’re not getting my vote ‘cause this is Canada, eh!

***

What will Tina make of all this?

What about you?

.

Some governments deliberately add to our dilemma

I don’t think I would make a good politician for a variety of reasons, but if I was one (King Gord sounds appealing) I’d try to be a positive influence in my community.

And I’d wear pants. [See below - Ollie and Me: Who wears the pants in this family?]

I recently said that Alberta, one of Canada’s richest provinces, is in a septic tank load of trouble, then briefly (and brilliantly, I might add) explained why and Theresa responded with a very astute comment.

She wrote in part:

“Alberta is starting to fall, and the government is being completely reactionary, as usual: Fear-mongering, slashing spending and denigrating anyone who speaks out against it, in true ‘if you're not with us, you're against us’ style.”

“The current Alberta government is gutting and demoralizing the province and its people, and yet, they will still vote Conservative in large numbers when the next election rolls around. It seems there is a never ending supply of delusion.”

Not all governments are like this but when they become reactionary and negative toward others then they actually encourage voters to stay home and not get involved in politics. Negative political ads, for example, foster lower voter turnout because people get turned off. Democracy and communities suffer as a result.

I think the negative approach taken by the current Alberta government is also a sign it is yet another government that divides its people at a time when every hand is needed on deck.

Governments that don’t unify the populace are out of step with our troubled times are are adding to the dilemma, are they not?

.

Ollie and Me: Who wears the pants in this family?

Not Ollie.

He doesn’t want anything to do with pants. Why? I don’t know. It’s not like he’s spent his early years with a family that walks around naked.

My grandson is 2 years, seven months old and growing like a weed. His vocabulary is increasing, sentences are getting longer, he enjoys food from every food group (and jelly beans, like me) and he loves to play outside. Above average in every way, in my humble opinion.

But trying to put pants on the kid before leaving the house is becoming a major battle.

My attitude is - it’s a phase, let him play outside without his pants on. Fewer diapers for the landfill, plus, he can water the flowers when he feels the urge.

Grandma, however, thinks he needs to learn to wear pants and not run around naked for hours on end - especially if we want to include a trip to the local coffee shop in our routine.

Which we do. But what a struggle.

“No diaper, Nana. No shoes, Nana. No pants. No pants,” he says, as my wife tries every trick in the book to get him to cover up before we walk out the front door.

“Papa wears pants, Ollie,” she says. “Nana wears pants. Daddy and Mommy wear pants. Papa Roger too.”

[This is the short version of my wife’s routine. She mentions everyone we know to try to get Ollie to believe in the goodness of pants. Allow me to sum up by saying that if you’re reading this and wearing pants then you’re on her list. BTW - keep up the good work.]

“No pants. No pants, Nana.”

We do get out the door eventually, though we’ve come close to being held hostage by a wee tad wearing nothing more than an undershirt and his Diago shoes.

***

It’s just a phase, right?

.

Conserve energy and money while waiting for Plan B

I recently read the province of Alberta is “bleeding red ink at a rate never before seen” and that “government job cuts or tax increases appear to be a certainty.”

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090629/alberta_deficit_090629/20090629?hub=Politics

Why is our wealthiest province in a septic tank load of trouble?

It’s complicated, but I’ll give it a try:

- the Premier set Alberta’s budget based on the old price of natural gas

- the new price is lower because demand is down

- demand is down because of the recession, something Premier Stelmach, Prime Minister Harper and Finance Minister Flatulence denied for over a year

- nurses and educators will lose their jobs because of government reliance on the market economy and their belief it will behave properly

My opinion:

- government leaders should pay, not nurses and educators

[I don't suggest you hold your breath waiting for this to happen. It's funny, but the only thing you'll accomplish is turn your face blue. Sorry, I digress.]

- we should not be so reliant on a market based economy but lean more heavily on sustainable products

- we should reduce spending in as many areas as possible, save for worse times ahead, and reduce our dependence upon fossil fuels

- market economists and politicians will not tell you when even worse times are around the corner

Once fossils fuels are gone, there is no Plan B [Really, is anyone on your street fueling their house or car with green fuel i.e. from algae or french fry oil? Not on my block.]

***

Do you have savings account?

Isn’t it time you started one?

.

Several unexpected benefits related to exploring my city Pt 1

For the past few weeks my weekly column has been about positive features in several of my city’s distinct neighbourhoods.

(Link to column at speed of hydro - side margin)

{Notice I didn’t say my hometown. I grew up in a small village 40 miles away that really only had two neighbourhoods. One was called downtown Norwich and the other went by the name Norwich. My dad said Uncle Dick lived in ‘the west end’ but that never became official or appeared on a map. In fact, a map was never needed in Norwich. If anyone got lost we’d just say, “You live right over there, in the green house behind the hedge”).

Thanks to emails from people who have invited me to visit their own I’ll be busy for the summer.

I don’t mind. The perks are adding up.

For example, I’m developing a cycling habit.

I don’t know about you (never did), but it takes me about 3 weeks to develop a new habit. (Juggling took 6 weeks because my wife enforced a hiatus after I broke a lamp in the living room). I’m now in my fourth week of city exploration and when I think ‘research’ I now think ‘bicycle.’

How many benefits relate to cycling?

Off the top of my little round head I don’t know for sure but I bet there’s at least a dozen, including sleek glutes. (Not that I’m bragging).

Another benefit - I have a pile of new ideas related to future columns.

Once I’ve explored my last neighbourhood I’ll begin my search for the city’s best chick pea salad, healthiest lunch or leanest menu.

No doubt some readers will be more interested in where to find the best cheeseburger but I can’t see our future being too rosy if we keep plugging beef, pork and chicken the way we do.

(I just read something recently about how quickly the North American diet can kill a person, especially landed immigrants. Our meals are more than menacing!)

Based on reader email, I’ll be visiting Old North next, which is connected to my own turf (The Village) by a bike path beside the River Thames.

Bonus.

Watch for a sleek-gluted cyclist wearing the sexy straw hat.

***

Have you dusted off your bicycle this summer?

Is there a better way to explore your city?

.

Green Ideas 2009: My garden needs one more final victory

If memory serves, I came up with the plan to turn sod and plant my next Victory Garden way back in the fall of 2008 [see right margin for complete list of my brilliant ideas].

Not because my genes supplied me with a green thumb or Puritan work ethic but because gardening relates to ‘eat local’ and a cluster of other earth-friendly benefits.

I may also have been eating a cucumber sandwich at the time and thought, “I can grow my own for Pete’s sake. How hard is that?”

Not too hard, really. I turned soil with my hybrid garden fork, added compost, planted cherry tomatoes, Big Red tomatoes, Brussel sprouts, peas, Spanish onions and green beans - all quite handily.


["The hybrid fork: Fork from Austria, used handle from Fenelon Falls": photo GAH]

But then came a very wicked gray squirrel to my wee patch and the sprouts disappeared. So did most of the beans - twice.


["At present, the last of my beans": GAH]

In the last two weeks I’ve trapped three squirrels but not the wicked gray. His turn, however, will come. I guarantee it. And in the meantime I’ve planted more beans. (I’ll check a gardening center for Brussel sprouts soon).

Two pieces of information for the faint of heart:


First, I use a humane trap and release the squirrels in a park two miles from my garden. One beat me back home, I think - and I was driving my Civic at the time.

Second, I found a Brunswick stew recipe that includes squirrel meat. Seventy of the little beggars in fact.

The sound of it will seem unusual for Canadians I admit, but early North Americans and present-day Brits would be quite familiar with the taste.

What will become of that wicked gray squirrel? Time will tell.

***

Brunswick stew now usually contains beef, pork or chicken because meat is so plentiful.

I think, not forever. As we choose more food close to home, squirrel meat will make a comeback.

Do you agree?

.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - and I’m the beholder

This afternoon’s weather seemed a bit too risky for a motorcycle ride (threats of rains, too much wind) so instead I applied stain to white cedar destined to become Rietveld chairs.

(A glitch at blogger.com prevents me from loading a photo of the lovely Rietveld crate chairs I’m making; try http://www.treadwaygallery.com/ONLINECATALOGS/Sept2005/salecatalog/images/0879.jpg)

While staining (often a mind-numbing experience, similar to writing comments about spelling on children’s report cards) my mind drifted to what I might do with a piece of mulberry purchased this morning from Phillmore Enterprises, a small lumber yard a few miles from my house.

[I’m a retired teacher. I stand by what I said above about spelling comments. For example, how many times can you write “Johnny’s scores will improve with further practice” before you blurt out the truth, i.e., “Johnny needs to take his books home once in awhile and if I see him flick his erasure at Susie one more time I’m going to ram it up his nose!” Sorry, I digress].

Though I instantly thought the mulberry was an unusual piece of wood and belonged in my shop the cheerful proprietor of the yard said, “It’s just garbage, you know that.”

I looked at the $8 price tag. I let my mind play with a few thoughts. A framed piece of art entitled ‘A Slice of Life’? A few birdhouse faces? One small box for do-dads?

I said, “Will you take $4 for garbage?”

“No. Eight.”

I paid him and loaded it into my friend’s Civic, along with a round piece of soft maple for my lathe and a strip of aromatic cedar for a few art pieces.

The mulberry now hangs on a wall in my workshop. My friend and wife both like my initial idea to leave it alone and simply frame it. They felt it was an unusual object to behold.

I’ll live with it for a few weeks, and see what other ideas pop into my little round head.

***

Until blogger.com shapes up you’ll just have to imagine a lovely scrap of wood costing 8 bucks.

.

It Strikes Me Funny: A summer newspaper series made for TV

I need a director and producer, preferably with a TV camera and deep pockets.

Are you out there? Because my weekly column is quickly becoming a summer series about some of our city’s distinct neighbourhoods and I think it would be a big hit on television.

And not because I’m tall dark and handsome and have a winning way.

[I’m more like short, grey, reasonably pleasing to the eye - if you stand several steps back - and have found a way to sidestep responsibility. For example, ask me to write or talk about a certain topic and I’ll reply, tell me what you know. Voila - my role is done.]

No, my series would be a smash hit because as I cycle around the city I’ve found countless areas of interest, all pleasing to the eye, which doesn’t translate as well to radio or print.

Just the other day I saw several backyards in Oxford Park in which I’d love to sit down and so would millions of viewers. Admittedly, not all at the same time, but isn’t that what people want? To sit down and not spend time mending the fence?

I even found one yard with no fence. I loved it. It contained a shaded gazebo and fire pot, and is the perfect place to sit and chat with neighbours and ask questions like, “What kind of plant is that? Oregano?”

Or, “What’s that guy doing cutting his grass in his underwear? Let’s go see.”

Yup, perfect for TV.

But first I need a producer and director with deep pockets.

***

Have you noticed anything of interest in your neighbourhood recently?

.

What motivates me to ‘buy no new clothes’ in 2009? Part 2

I was asked recently if The Compact motivated me to buy no new clothes.

My first response:

“I don’t know about The Compact, so I’ll check it out.”

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thecompact/

At the same time I also linked to a blog site called The Compact, featuring multiple authors, and read ‘Notes on skipping’ by Rachel Kesel, who appears to be onto something that I could write about in my weekly column. After all, a grocery store is literally around the corner and I could easily do a Q and A about their weekly (or is it daily?) waste. I bet they send more trash out the back door than any other business in this part of town (The Village) and I also bet some of it is very useful still.

As Rachel wrote:

“Our culture of perfection has created a shitload of waste (and weird genetic modifications of food).”

http://sfcompact.blogspot.com/

My second response:

“Will I become a skipper, diver or bin hop? Not if my wife has anything to say about it.”

(So, shhhh, let’s keep this to ourselves for the time being).

My third response:

“I’m motivated by some of the same ideas and ideals as those attempting to live by The Compact. I.e., live simply, reduce consumption, think of future generations.”

And to the person who raised the question re my motivation I wrote the following:

“My weekly column takes a 'green angle' for the most part and I feel inclined to try reducing consumption in a variety of ways. Retirement has given me time to carefully assess habitual behaviours that aren't too helpful - as far as future generations and Mother Earth are concerned. Buying less is becoming a new habit. Can I do without? is becoming a more frequently asked question. See, old dogs can learn new tricks.”

So, now you know just a bit more of the answer.

***

This old dog is motivated by other reasons too, and perhaps a weekly column is in order.

What motivates you to reduce consumption?

PS blogger.com is not functioning correctly and I am not able to provide links, photographs or comments at this time.

.

What motivates me to ‘buy no new clothes’ in 2009? Part 1

I wrote about one of my personal goals for 2009 recently, i.e., to buy no new clothes until Jan. 1, 2010.

[For more exciting details go to http://itstrikesmefunny.blogspot.com/2009/06/update-re-no-new-clothes-until-jan-1.html]

I mentioned I have slipped up once, and it won’t happen again.

[For more depressing details go to http://itstrikesmefunny.blogspot.com/2009/06/update-re-no-new-clothes-until-jan-1_23.html]

(The slip was purely accidental. It’s not like I walk around with my goals pinned to my t-shirt. Plus, I act impulsively on occasion. And I suffer brain cramps about once per week. Sorry, I digress).

However, I buy used items once in awhile, whenever I feel flush (see sexy hat in post below), and recently asked readers how they felt about buying used.

Kathleen wrote:

“Are you kidding me? Everything I wear is previously used. Wouldn't have it any other way. Your resolution sounds like torture. But I'm impressed with your resolve.”



“Are you familiar with The Compact? Is this what inspired you?”

Though I wasn’t motivated by The Compact, I checked it out, and it sounds like we’re on the same wave length.

Compact basics include (copied from 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thecompact/
):

- To go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of disposable consumer culture and to support local businesses, farms, etc. -- a step that, we hope, inherits the revolutionary impulse of the Mayflower Compact.
- To reduce clutter and waste in our homes (as in trash Compact-er).
- To simplify our lives (as in Calm-pact)

Compacters agreed to follow two principles:


- Not to buy new products of any kind (from stores, web sites, etc.)

- Borrow, barter, or buy used.

I think you’ll find my personal motivations are similar. Stay tuned.

***

Have you heard of The Compact?

Are you following their ideas or ideals? What’s your motivation?

PS Sorry, blogger.com is acting up and I cannot supply links or respond to comments - again!

Gord H.

.

Hand-me-downs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea

Did you hear the term “hand me down” in your house when you were growing up?

Did your mother occasionally say, “Here, try this on. It doesn’t fit your [insert appropriate relative here, e.g. older brother, sister, cousin Therese, Uncle Louie, Grandpa Jones] anymore.”

My mother said it to me many times and would usually add - to help close the deal - it’s too good to throw out, or, there’s still a lot of wear in it, or, you can’t always have new, Gordie.

And I just got used to ‘used stuff.’


[Sexy, and at home in my workshop: photo GAH]

I share this delightful piece of family history to partly explain why I paid 10 bucks for a used straw hat from Caracas recently, whereas a reader (Silver) said they wouldn’t, but would smile with me or at me while I practice my habit.

I say ‘partly explain’ because there may be other reasons I don’t mind buying hand-me-downs or used.

I mean, the hat looks really sexy on me. And who can afford to fly to Venezuela to buy a straw hat?

***

I’ll try not to overuse the sexy angle. Some of you have seen me in person. Sexy doesn’t cut it, I know.

Dusty? Cheerful? Has his own teeth? More likely.

.

Zoom w a View: Easy fishin’ in Fenelon Falls

Last Sunday, coffee and camera in hand, I caught my oldest son David trying to catch a fish.


He said he almost had one. Where have I heard that before?

A small cedar four-plex looks at home on Dave’s cedar railing.


More trips to Fenelon are planned, to help when the twins arrive in September.


My son won’t be fishing then. Enjoy it while you can, son.

***

I’m not a fisherman. Are you?

I prefer my workshop. Another four-plex is needed.

.

Update re No new clothes until Jan. 1, 2010 - Part 2

In yesterday’s post I mentioned one personal goal for 2009 - buy no new clothes. Nada.

Here’s a quick update.

I’ve slipped up once in ‘09. Stink.

While at the Home Hardware gardening center in The Village recently I noticed a display of straw hats, recalled I’d been unable to find my old straw hat, checked the price ($21.99) and my wallet ($32.17), and without thinking about my goal, bought the hat.

Only a day or two later did it dawn on me - I had done a terrible thing! And almost on National TV!

What will my readers think? (Oh yeah, I’ll have to tell them. My palms are sweating already. Public humiliation - AHHHH!)

And I’d been doing so well. No new T-shirts (though my supply is thinning out), underwear (my brand wears like iron... which can get uncomfortable at times), pants, sweaters - the whole nine yards.


["Something you don't see everyday - Gord's underwear and T-shirt drawers": photo GAH]

One used pair of Levis and two used hockey sweaters had been my only clothing purchases in 2009 until I bought the hat two weeks ago.

Last Sunday, however, while visiting my son and daughter-in-law in Fenelon Falls, I bought another hat. This time a used one, at a flea-market-slash-antique shop.


A sexy number from Caracas, Venezuela, for $10.

The new one will remain in the closet until the summer of 2010, and I bet I won’t slip up again.

***

Would you buy a used hat? Do you cringe at the thought?

.

Zoom w a View: Sexy hat features in next post

Is the sexy hat on this man’s little round head new or used?


["New or used?": photo by the sexy GAH? The jury is still out]

Tune in tomorrow to find out.

***

Read post below for some context.

.

Update re No new clothes until Jan. 1, 2010 - Part 1

In late 2008 I wrote in a column that a personal goal for 2009 was to buy no new clothes.

Not a stitch.

You may have wondered why I wear the same shirt 2 or 3 days in a row, and try not to sweat the details. Well, now you know.

As a result of the column, Jake, a regular reader, decided to cut down on clothing purchases and keeps me up-to-date on how he’s doing.


["Don't let the shopping cart rule your life"]

Recently he wrote:

“Hi Gord. Just read how "The Hills" struck you funny (to turn a phrase) and it reminded me to drop you a line about how I'm doing, clothes-purchase-wise.  Please understand, this is NOT a brag, it's just an update.”

“I've given to the GoodWill: 2 long-sleeve flannel shirts, 1 brand-new, never-worn spring jacket, 1 very gently-worn set of coveralls, 1 housecoat, 2 pairs of construction footwear and I also tossed an old t-shirt.”

“To date, I have only bought 1 pair of water moccasins to replace the current pair when they wear out.  I may need to get a pair of winter footwear when the time comes however, but that's basically it.”

I’m proud of the guy. Be assured too, he has given a lot more stuff to the Goodwill than is listed here.

And how am I doing related to the goal?

Stay tuned.

***

Some people try for a balance, i.e., new clothes in, old clothes out. Others buy way too much and weed out slowly.

What about you?

.

Zoom w a View: A bit of London - Oxford and Wonderland area

Photographs tell part of the story as I visit neighbourhoods by bicycle in different parts of my home city; my delightful social commentary fill in some gaps too.

A reader (Phil W. - see second post below for details) thinks his neighbourhood is perfect for his lifestyle and he made some good points in its defense. I’ll share my thoughts in next week’s column. First, some pictures.

Below: A street in Phil’s condo complex. Very quiet. But too quiet for me. Would the neighbours complain if I used my table- or chop-saw in the driveway? Could I paint my front door a bright red, unlike all the others?


Behind Phil’s fence is farm land upon which he cross-country skis. Enjoy it now, I say. London has a reputation for building large single-family units on our best land.


A bike path is nearby, linking Phil to many amenities, plus downtown London. If I had my way, I’d sink more money into those bike paths and stop accommodating cars in 1000 different ways.


Too much concrete and tarmac for me, though I have nothing against apartment buildings. They should be spread equally throughout the city, even in ‘exclusive, gated communities’, in order to create more green space, which would be a nice contrast to the tarmac.


Visiting neighbourhoods by bike has been an eye-opener.

***

What are some pros and cons about your neighbourhood?

Is traffic a nuisance or are you in a quiet zone?

.

Prose: backpack canoe: conclusion - ‘North Tea reflections’

Backgrounder: “Three days and nights on North Tea gave birth to countless memories. When our group gets together to talk about past trips the stories spill out of us in handfuls, like beans from a burlap sack.” gaharrison

North Tea reflections

coffee in the morning
has a heightened taste
brought to boil
over an open flame.

after a sound sleep
on a pine needle mattress
cold clean water cuts
short the morning dip.

tarp water is turned aside
by a hastily dug
shallow trench
around my tent.

adult loons
patient and protective
are wise diving instructors
for their eager young.


wooden box crappers
havens for hardy mosquitoes
open to the elements
and passing paddlers.

crows as big as barns
chatter loudly for hours
to pass the time
in the treetops.

chicken noodle soup
four for a dollar
a satisfying noon meal
on a cool rock bench.

fajitas, steaks, salads,
store-bought lasagna
catch jealous eyes
and take the culinary prize.

on warm evenings
we scout for moose we tip canoes
and lanterns left in trees
guide stragglers home.




Catch more prose at Hit Singles by G. Harrison

.

It Strikes Me Funny: Cycling to a neighbourhood near you?

For the last few weeks my column has been about different neighbourhoods in London (will any compare to Wortley Village? I’ll keep an open mind) - and half the fun is getting to some of them.

For example, my 12-speed rides like a charm.

The fresh air and exercise gets my blood flowing - hopefully in the right direction.

Bike paths through the parks or beside the Thames River are enjoyable to ride.

Sure, some road conditions could kill you. I just missed one pothole the size of a small cottage.

And traffic could kill you at any hour per day.

(Too much horse power in cars and SUVs? Too many drivers on cellphones? Too many cars per square inch? I don’t know, but it’s crazy on many city streets).

I suppose I should say the journey 'can' be half the fun. (Be careful out there).

The other half is trying to see a new neighbourhood through the eyes of a reader.

Recently, Phil W. wrote:

“Hi Gord. We’ve met in The Village and in Boston in 2005. Now let’s get down to business. I am a health conscious, eco-friendly, athletic book worm and my neighbourhood is perfect for my lifestyle. I rarely need my car.”

Phil added several more interesting details, including his address and the words ‘coffee is next door at Angelos’ and at lunch time today I picked my way through traffic and along bike paths to his neck of the woods.


["Though rain threatened, Gord arrived safely for coffee": photo by GAH]

Once I'd poured a cup of Seattle dark roast I sat down and imagined myself as Phil.

More details to follow.

***

If you live in London, tell me about your neighbourhood. I’ll come visit.

Link to The Londoner for a story about my latest cycling trip to Pond Mills.

.