Owl Award

      On a number of past posts I have mentioned the Red Deer River Naturalists. I have belonged to this group for a long time and participated in their activities.I have a link on this blog to their web site.

     This group is dedicated to the study, preservation and enjoyment of natural history. We try to promote the preservation of native habitat so that native plants and animals can survive and thrive. There are only small portions of native habitat left and these patches are fragmented. 

     I have been a member of this group for many years and have been on the board for a long stretch...long enough to be given the Owl Award. The Owl Award is given to some one who has been a long time board member. Needless to say, I was pleased to receive the award this year. For a small group we've accomplished much. We conduct field trips and have regular monthly speakers. These activities are open to the public. We also follow municipal development plans and comment on improvements that can be made. We've also developed educational programs for children.

I never saw a microphone I couldn't like

Something for the top of the book case

    For the presentation I was asked a few questions. They asked me if there was some one in particular who influenced me. Yes, it was my Mom. When I was about 4 my Mom asked me if I wanted to see a pretty bird. She took me down the road 400 m and we crossed the ditch and crawled through the brush. I came face to face with a mallard drake. I've never forgotten that moment.

   I was also asked what I would like to see in the future. I didn't really give them an answer. I would like to see things as they were a 150 years ago before the white man came and destroyed this beautiful area. I would also be minus 75 years old and that would be cool. 

    This award is one that is very meaningful to me.

Steven Harper:Small and Petty

     By now you know that I am no fan of our Prime Minister, Steven Harper. In general , I disagree with his economic and social policies.

    However, every once in a while Steven Harper out does himself and  shows how petty and small he can be.

   Therese Casgrain is a well known and liked Canadian whose work got the vote for women in Quebec in 1940. She was politically active all her life and was a Canadian senator for a short time. An award was set up in Casgrain's name honoring volunteers. There was a prominent photo of Casgrain in the parliament buildings honoring her and publicizing the award.the award.

    Now this is where Harper steps in. The photo was taken down and the awards were cancelled. All of this was done without consultation. In its place Harper established a Prime Minister's award that features him with prominent photo and all. All those who receive the award get their photo taken with the Prime Minister.

    Now how small and petty is this little shenanigan? Take away an award honoring some one else. Set up an award in it's place featuring yourself.

   There is no room in our society for such little self centered people.