Ten years ago, I would have been surprised at the news that there are applications for wind farms in Lake Huron, off our shoreline. Not today.

If oil companies believe there is oil under the lake, you’ll see derricks out there too.

Western society has bought into globalization and the U.S. philosophy of unbridled capitalism. Everyone in North America should have a big car, a big house, lots of money and the time to fly around the world to see exotic places.

A big percentage of North Americans have none of the above, but it’s the big dream and it has been bought by the rest of the world.

That’s why people from the Third World are clamouring to get into Canada and other western countries.

And so, as more and more people arrive in Ontario and other jurisdictions in North America to keep the economy rolling, we need more and more energy, more and more homes, more and more cars, more and more doctors.

Are you really surprised that the American dream comes before the environment? North America has an insatiable need for energy.

And remember, the ultra rich who benefit from Globalization and control government, will always have their private little piece of paradise.

Now isn’t that a cheerful little diatribe for a lovely Sunday morning.

**

It has been 30 years since we last had a baby in the house so it has been quite a shock to be caring for a 16 month old for the month of August (until the 21st).

The regular smell of dirty diapers is not one that I wanted to re-experience, but one I’ve become accustomed to.

Trying not to trip over toys and whatever else my young granddaughter decides to pitch on the floor has been good for my dexterity and flexibility.

And picking up 25 pounds 20 or 30 times a day has no doubt strengthened my upper body.

I’d forgotten also what messy eaters babies are – if Annie’s not hungry or doesn’t like the menu, the dish goes flying.

And once she goes home to Regina Saturday, the Irish Rovers record will never be played again in our home. Indeed, it may disappear.

Our social life has pretty well disappeared during August – we go to bed early to make sure we’re ready for another day of entertainment.

Worst of all, we’ve grown so accustomed to that big, beautiful smile and winning personality, that we’re going to miss having her around the house.

**

It’s hard to believe that the winter before last Garrett Meurs of Ripley was playing Triple A and high school hockey. 

Now he’s a member of the Canadian Under 18 team that won the Ivan Hlinka hockey tournament last week in the Czech Republic with a 1-0 win over the U.S.A. in the final.

Dana, who was the staff advisor for the KDSS team when Meurs played, says you could tell he loves the game. Although he likely had the farthest distance to travel, he was always at practice. The KDSS coaches, Doug Kennedy and Josh Howald, knew Meurs had talent. I wonder if they believed he would go so far so fast.

Good for Garrett and may his skills continue to improve this season with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL.