Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Hokey Mokey – how much can a Husband, Father, Son take!

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Today’s Blog Post


Hokey Mokey – how much can a Husband, Father, Son take!

So the words in the email this morning read… “Don't worry I will bring her home safe and sound. LOL! Love Dana :)”

That was my daughter assuring me that they will escape Nova Scotia before Hurricane Earl hits the province on Friday of this week.

I had sent the link to the weather report and warning that was on the net yesterday. (Shown below to be seen this week… but may not be there in months to come – old news)

Now I am concerned for my family.. YES! But Dana picked up on the other part of my concern.

I am the sole caregiver right now for my MOTHER! She is 89 and much slower than long… long ago. She needs more care than I can give – alone. My wife is basically her 24 hours a day caregiver… and I assist.

From last Thursday on when my wife left for the Maritimes I became the two of us for Mom. Hokey Mokey was a predicament.

I am now doing what two people normally have to do for MOM! I am moving much faster and MOM seems to be moving much slower. I guess with Alida’s help I never really clued in to how slow she goes… in that I escape to the garage.

And the stuff I have to do is not something a grown man knows about!

I AM NOT A HAIR DRESSER… HAIR STYLIST… or any of that baloney! I am lucky that I get my own hair combed – let alone worry about the MOM hair days!

So it has been a few days… since Alida… did MOM’s hair. And it was starting to show. So I thought to myself… Mom needs her hair washed… she can’t do that herself any longer so I will help. I had watched Alida do this and reasoned I could do it too.

Yikes! Over the kitchen sink, head down and trusting me… Mom had her towel over her eyes so she wouldn’t get soap in them.

I thought I was doing a good job until she bellered, “I am getting it up my nose!” Sheesh I was just rinsing it… not drowning her! But I can hear the story now….!

I got the mousse on and she dried off… looks a little bit like a wet puppy after a bath. And after the mousse dried… YIKES.

My asked, “Do you think I should wear a cap?”

“Naw, no one will be looking at you, let’s go!” I replied.

I have 4 days left before, the hair dresser/stylist, chief cook and bottle washer, laundry manager, and the Wonder Woman of all time comes home.

Alida I love you! Dana – GET OUT OF THERE BEFORE the HURRICANE HITS… or I will cut you out of my WILL!

Hokey Mokey – how much can a Husband, Father, Son take!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Source:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/08/30/ns-hurricane-earl-ns.html

Monday, August 30, 2010

“An explosive cocktail that transforms men’s sex lives, whatever their age or medical history!”

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Today’s Blog Post


“An explosive cocktail that transforms men’s sex lives, whatever their age or medical history!”

The envelop is about 5” X 7” and white in colour. The return address is “Strong Products for Men” with an address in Apple Hill, Ontario. The mailing comes from Canada Postage – a prepaid envelop of sorts.

The cover address states “O Lincoln” with my house number etc.

There is no “O Lincoln” living here and never has been.

I slit the envelop open and was greeted with a colour photo of a young staring blankly at me. His shirt is undone and pulled behind his back. His blue jeans are unzipped and opened. Real stupid!  Why my address?!?
Sorry… I didn’t scan this one for you to see… you imagination is likely enough. I get in trouble for using the word “Fat” and writing about “Fat People” in the Mall!!!

Below this photo is a promise and more descriptive wording to get you to go further. “An explosive cocktail that transforms men’s sex lives, whatever their age or medical history!”

Further… “No contraindications or side-effects”

When the rest of the contents are spilled open it was even more stupid!
Now that is way more information than a Minister should be giving out in his Blog.

Why?

My wife and I looked at it together. Her mouth dropped open when she hit the second page. Even she was shocked. “THAT WAS WITH THE MAIL???!

On the front of the envelop is a statement, “Sexually Oriented Ad”.

So decided to send this my way?

It probably was for my Mom. She is M. N. Lincoln and I am M.R. Lincoln. That was my first though when I retrieved it from the mail box. Thank goodness I didn’t give it to her with opening it!

In a super charged world of all things SEX and SEXY… it is now arriving with my flyers. It comes right along with the notice of cheaper baloney and riper pears at the store.

The age old fear first is – “What did the Mail Man think when he dropped this off at my house?”

Did any one else get one on the street? Like I want to know… if everyone’s mail box had this hot and heavy add burning up the other mail.

I am seriously thinking of contacting the post office and showing them the mailing. BUT I have to get a man behind the counter. How can I speak with the women that works there?

How can you stop this kind of thing happening again? My mailing address has definitely been gleaned somewhere (or sold by some one).

The hint that other people will send me more is real.

I am curious. I had thought of taking it to church on a Sunday and asking the congregants if they received one like this?

But the Presbyterian Church I spoke at yesterday, doesn’t really know who I am yet… and I don’t want break the relationship we have now built.

In fact who can you ask or tell … without them ridiculing me?

I got it so I must be at fault!?
Oh BOY!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Saturday, August 28, 2010

It is a NEW DAY – a Brand New Day

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Today’s Blog Post


It is a NEW DAY – a Brand New Day

I have become increasingly aware of the weight of the world around me. The messages of how bad it is for some have come personally, from people suffering daily with the weight of their situation. They have no place to go. It seems impossible.

This weekend I listened to a man that had walked through some very difficult times. He is a Lifer. He is a man that has killed some one in his life time and is now serving time in a Federal Prison. He was allowed to come and share his story with us at the conference that I am attending in Kingston, Ontario.

For a long time now he rises each morning to the same routine and the same problems – time. It has been years now since he was free and may be much longer yet.

The person sitting beside me asked him, “What keeps you going?” He paused for a minute before he answered and said one word, “Family.”

What happens when Family is not there? I know some like this. They are losing their family… how do they do it?

I know some that have lost their families already… the pain is heavy and they are hardly able to bear it each day. Worse yet – no one knows… and there are few that can know because it is very hard to share about.

Early in the morning as I was sitting in the darkness of my room pondering some of the stories I know… I looked up and saw the sun starting to peek around the edge of the land out front.

I took my camera and shot the following series of photos to try and capture the beauty of what was happening before me.

As I watched I thought, “This is a brand new, fresh, day starting and here is a promise that it will get better by the moment”.

My new friend in prison wakes each morning with another promise of a new day.

No matter what happened in the past, today is a new day.

What does that mean to you? I know what I am getting from it. It is pure joy to see the newness of it all. Absolutely fresh and clean and simply a blessing to me… this is My Day!

Oh yes, there may be a few tumbles today, a few aches of pains from yesterday, but it is a NEW DAY.

God asks me one question, “What will you do with it?”

I have to run. There is so much to do. So many people to meet and speak with I can’t wait.

How are you doing? Sorry I forgot to ask.

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Friday, August 27, 2010

The Youniverse and Gen Me

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Today’s Blog Post


The Youniverse and Gen Me

“We live in a day when what sells best in the Christian world are books, sermons, and television programs that are aimed directly at you-- This Is Your Day, You Are The Reason for the Season, Become A Better You, It's Your Time, The Me I Want To Be, The Life You've Always Wanted, and similar titles orbiting around the Youniverse.” ~ Kevin Rogers

My friend Kevin pretty well wrapped up what is happening around me. The universe that I have known has now become the Youniverse – it is all about YOU. And YOU must be happy, comfortable and not hurting in any way. You must discover ones self and what you discover better be good… if it isn’t… make sure you do whatever you must to be happy!

Hokey Mokey – can you believe that?!?

This is easy to understand… The “Me Generation” has produced its offspring and then that generation has produced its off spring. And that new Generation is now loosely entitled the “Gen Me”

The other name for Me Generation is “Baby Boomers”.

If you look at their interests and the way that they need to have most everything revolving around them – the term “Gen Me” is very accurate. And another term for “Gen Me” is “Grandchildren of the “Me Generation”

How could this ever happen? An entire generation that is pretty much focused on themselves…? Oh they do focus on others if they can be there in the middle of the situation. If they can’t be front and center they are not there.

Now they don’t really like being up front – they just want the experience. If they can go on a Mission they will be interested… if they can’t participate they are gone.

Their connection with all things immediate are primary. Faster and better Media, better connectivity and definitely anything that let them “talk” to each other instantly is the best thing ever!

That is why one of the things that is so important right now is Texting. But that is only right now in 2010. When 2011 and beyond arrives there will be something far more connected than stupid thumb actions on a teeny tiny keyboard. Texting is not the main thing… being right their with your friends ..is… but being in the middle of the group and the center of the group is far more important than just talking… having everyone know you is the BEST EVER!

My grandson Clifford just wrapped up a baseball season. The team he played on was a collection of teens a bit older than he was. They all thought they were hot stuff. They could almost do it well… but for the most part they all were a little short of the best. It frustrated me almost as much as it did Clifford.

It seemed a perfect example of a collection of Me Gens doing Me stuff… all about Me… and the Team loses. The last game was specially that way.

When Clifford’s dad suggested a few changes in what Clifford could do… which would likely help… Clifford’s response was perfect. “Dad I couldn’t do that because it would mean me trusting the others to do the work… and I can’t trust them.”

Clifford was pitching. Pitching a certain way would allow the other team to hit. The hit would most certainly go to a place on the field where the outfielders would potentially make a great play by catching the ball. But Clifford couldn’t count on them to do it.

Were they poor players? Nope each one could do something… but they didn’t. Their focus was more on their image… on their inner self… not their outer action. One player stood with his arms folded, baseball mitt under the arms, and legs crossed casually… and in one situation he was sitting down crossed legged on the field. This was not at break time, this was when a batter was about to hit the ball his way!

This character was a star in his mind. When the umpire through him out of the game for a bad attitude he simply walked over to the stands and was surrounded by his three well painted, 14 year old, bimbo type, girl friends who fussed over him completely.

What a thing to watch! Clifford was frustrated and Grandpa wanted to kick butt. Sheesh!

Now when the majority of the Team members are focused mainly on what they look like and worried more about themselves being the center of everything… not much can happen as a Team.

Put that into a family and watch out. The Gen Me will pretty much run Me Gen and their kids in all that they do.

In our area a thriving new business is a Birthday Party place. In fact now we have two with a third one coming. They specialize in adventure Birthday Parties for kids with themes of all sorts… plus offer Goody Bags for each attendee. I heard that the Goody Bags cost between $10 and up to $80 each. Now have 20 kids come to your party and mom and dad will fork out a chunk of change!

In really old days, the person having the Birthday received the gifts!

I’m sorry – but I seemed to have missed something big here. Stuff happened and people changed. It really is all about ME!

But no one will listen to ME… because it is all about them!

Sheesh!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Source:
http://www.generationme.org/aboutbook.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFZhLRXuDtk
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Me
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Me_generation

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Life Distractions

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Today’s Blog Post


Life Distractions

“I just want my life back!” said my friend. I could see that was true after what the family has walked through in recent weeks. I also could clearly see what had distracted them from their life as it was.

I have experienced that as well. Everything is coasting along at “normal” then suddenly a series of events comes ploughing into life to mess up normal.

A few years ago my wife and I headed to Ottawa to take a few days away from work. It had been a long winter. As we drove the Highway #7 the ice cycles glistened from the rock walls along the highway. Beautiful.

It was about that beautiful moment that the Cell Phone rang. My wife answered and it was the church calling us. Dear Sister So and So had died and her funeral was to be in three days times – would I be able to do the funeral service?

Yep. No problem. On the Cell Phone for the next few miles we made all the arrangements and then arrived in Ottawa to enjoy our time off. We couldn’t stop and turn around, the hotel room was paid for. We decided to try the nights away – even though this sad event was unfolding around us and before us.

Life is easily distracted to say the least.

In my personality type that’s even more true that ever before.

Now some say that it is simply my personality that causes this to happen. Maybe so.

But the circumstances in my life are not my personality… these some times change rapidly and then I react to it all.

It makes me wonder at times how some people cope with what they face. How do they do it with the major distractions that they have now?

For example to all that is happening I add the media in all its forms. My TV and Radio both are my favourite distractions, planned and allowed into my life.

Yesterday in the Mall, while I was Demonstrating Tatting, I watched the youth walking together. As they passed by my space they were speaking with each other but at the same time both thumbs were rapidly working the miniature keyboard – texting at least two other people but watching the pauses in their testing, they could well be texting at least dozen other people at the same time they talked to each other.

I am an observer of people. And a Mall is a great place to watch this.

How is your life Distraction today? If it was measured on a Distraction Metre – how would you do?

Recently I have watched a family go on a camping trip. The stuff that they pushed and shoved into their vehicle was amazing. We went to see the folks at their campsite. There behind the trailer was a Satellite Dish anchored down with stones… they just had to receive their favourite Distraction and being that it is not hard to carry a DISH – bingo you have TV.

Are you that bad?

Could you unpack the tent and set up camp and just sit to listen to the sounds around you?

I came into my spacious Hotel Room this afternoon and immediately turned on the TV. It was too quiet!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

World Worry and My Worrier Machine

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Today’s Blog Post


World Worry and My Worrier Machine

I have been fussing about the Gulf of Mexico spill for months now. What a tragedy for all involved. And the news has me concerned what is happening below the surface waters of the Gulf Coastal areas. I am even worried what might wash up on the beach now… even though I will NEVER see the beach. In reality it is not a problem in my life.

I am troubled that good people will lose their livelihood and homes as this terrible events have taken place. The rest of the world moves on and they suffer.

I worry about them.

Then the issues of Haiti are in my mind – still. I will never visit Haiti. The earthquake that destroyed their country became a part of my life as I watched with millions of others as these poor people suffer and many have died.

A mailing from our church’s head office reminded me again that I can do something about them – by given the church’s office money.

I worry about them too.

I have heard of Pakistan and the flood waters. I am moved by what I see as well. Millions are homeless and there is a great need for more money to get help. I am concerned because they are not getting the press that Haiti got – and fewer people are responding to what has happened.

I worry about them too.

I know I do not have enough money to help anyone. Retired now and with a Fixed Income I have to be more careful than ever. Then they just announced that the Pensions of perhaps millions in Canada will be deeply affected by loses in the stock market. Who knows if there will be enough money left to pay my pension!!!?

My friend from my morning coffee time is 75. He is a retired Gas Fitter. His pension advisor told him he might like to look for another part time job… as his pension income has dropped to almost the drastic stage.

Hey I worry big time about how I will feed myself… and my wife. I really worry about this!

To have some fun and take a night away from care giving in our home, my wife and I have enjoyed the odd night out at a movie. Cheap nights are fun when the movie is half price and there are hndreds of youth in the theatre foyer. It is like going on a date 48 years ago!

BUT I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THIS TOO!

The report that I watched yesterday told me that dozens of theatres now have reported an infestation of Bed Bugs on the theatre seats. People are being bit and also being ridden home by the bugs to take up residence in their houses and apartments.

Goodness gracious – just when I thought I had it under control… and could escape from all the bad reports that I worry about… I now have to worry about being bit by a bed bug while I sit in the darkness of the theatre!

I really worry about this!

They said for the last few days that the wireless thing-a-ma-jig that works with my computer will probably give me cancer! Well not in so many words… but they are now fussing about Wireless Signals in schools making kids sick… and I sit about 18 inches from mine!

Sheesh I worry about this too.

In fact as I stew about all of these most recent worries I should have a bad time sleeping. I should worry about everything. But I don’t.

In fact my worrier machine is now almost completely broken. And with so much to worry about I don’t know where to start first – so I shut down. The financial appeals mean little or nothing to me now.

The Oil Spills mean nothing as well… worrying about little fish at the 5000 foot mark in the ocean is not something that gets a lot of attention now.

Even Bed Bugs on my theatre seat cannot move me far.

My worry meter is now over loaded and broken – and I don’t even worry about that anymore!

But then… I worry that I don’t text as fast as others… or that I don’t have a good phone to text people… and that I don’t have any friends that know how to text… or that my spelling is so poor while texting that no one will understand what I text…

Hey… the worrier machine just kicked in again.

I have a feeling that this next generation filled with the bottom end of Baby Boomers, mixed with Gen Xers, and mixed with a host of other Gen-erators and finally the most recent group they are identifying as the “Gen Me” group… will be the ones that stop feeling… stop doing… stop worrying… and will simply walk away.

The G20 protests in Toronto had people screaming about what they thought the rest of us should worry about.

But really I watched and wasn’t moved. The idiots that burned police cars… smashed windows… and did nasty stuff were not part of my life.

I stopped worrying about ten worries ago. I have had it.

I still care but am not really engaged any longer!

How much do you worry about? Has your worrier machine about had enough?

Oh Boy.

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Cleaning the Clutter

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Today’s Blog Post


Cleaning the Clutter

Cleaning my desk top is a discovery of a Gold Mine of saved treasures. Some think of it as junk… while I choose to see good stuff. Most of what was there yesterday was outdated – admittedly… but there was lots of good stuff too. Sorting it all out was my main goal.

It was at the third hour and about six inches into the first pile that I discovered the following. It was a simple list that some one gave me at a hard moment in my own life. It happened when some “trusted friends” had done some nasty things to me. It was about the time that I felt lower than a snake’s belly in a wagon rut. One friend listened to what had happened… and gave me the list.

Did is a word of achievement.
Won’t is word of retreat.
Might is a word of bereavement.
Can’t is a word of defeat.
Ought is word of duty.
Try is a word each hour.
Will is a word of beauty.
Can is a word of power.

Try, Will, Can, and Did happened yesterday. Won’t, Might, Can’t, and Ought all were pushed aside after reigning supreme on my desk top for over two years.

And today it feels better. It evens feels good to get it done… or will feel better when it is all done. There is still more to do.

I realized last evening that there was still way more to do, but the plugging through all the reading and sorting had taken its toll on my reserves. There was a pile of emotions that flooded the little office… that came like waves of the oceans… each piece that was saved had a story behind it… and some deep emotions.

As I have been thinking of what has happened with this small action I have realized that much of what I have now collected over the years needs to be dealt with now.

I think back over the years to the times that we were involved in helping some friends complete the task of cleaning out a loved one’s things after their death. In some cases it was a Father that had also collected things, treasures that he loved, that now meant nothing to him any longer – nor to the kids that were left with the task “to get rid of all that old junk”.

I can’t tell you how many times I shuddered as I witnessed this happening and realized that some day my kids will have to do the same.

I think the same has happened when some one has needed to move and asked me for help. I cannot imagine why they needed to keep all that stuff… that junk… that useless box full of “someday garage sale goodies”! But then I come home and see my own impossible pile… oh boy.

There is a reward to being able to deal with it. That sense of accomplishment is amazing… and today it is still there making me want to deal with the rest – ASAP.

I thought further about this whole clean up and get right mode that is needed now. I have needed that with emotions and thoughts too.

People have come and gone in my life leaving a trail of stuff behind. Their words and actions have left a trail of junk in my mind that makes my cluttered desk top look clean.

Twelve years ago a man that I trusted and admired did some real nasty things to me. His words, actions and intent seemed to destroy many people’s lives. He did his best to knock what I was doing to pieces. At the time I couldn’t imagine how one person could be so nasty, so angry and so downright miserable.

About two years after the initial explosions and all of his actions we met again. He wanted to say he was sorry and tell me so. We both agreed to put it all behind us as much as we could.

There was limited contact over the years with each other. I still lived with the results of what he had done to me.

Towards the end of July 2010 I was demonstrating Tatting in one of the local Malls. I heard a voice call out my name. As I looked up it was this same man and he wanted to talk. When I saw him I greeted him back again.

The conversation wasn’t long as we shared a few things about our individual worlds.

I asked how he was doing. He told me of his battle with cancer and how the doctors had helped him deal with it.

As I listened I heard a different man than the one of 12 years ago. He had changed and so had I.

He told me that they were some more tests that they were doing… and another doctor’s appointment was happening soon.

This past weekend I heard that he had died, two weeks after the Doctor’s report of the cancer in his lungs.

The day I met him he did not have much time left and I think he knew it.

When I heard that report on the past Sunday afternoon, it was a sobering reminder that I need to clean up some of the emotional baggage and emotional piles that are cluttering things inside and outside too.

BUT… some I cannot deal with
There are some people… that need to make nothing short of a public apology for what they did. I struggle with some for sure and have to leave them completely alone… moving away so I am not dealing with it all over again. I admit the pain is very deep… and it is best not to even look in that direction or I will regret what might be said or done! Yikes.

To not see them for what they have done is to be dishonest.

But with God’s grace and love… who knows.

Today my desk top looks easy.

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Monday, August 23, 2010

Go For It GOD!

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Today’s Blog Post


Go For It GOD!

How can some people’s thinking be so mixed up? It seems like a huge number of folk that I am aware of have made some really bad choices… and they justify it by simply saying it is right for them.

The World I live in seems to be upside down at this moment… really messed up. WHY?

The louder I scream WHY the less sense that it makes.

But then Why shouldn’t my world be affected by the weird stuff too?

Along time ago I was given a simple saying… “The world I live in is like the Granola Cereal, take out the fruits and nuts and there are only a few flakes left.”

Now the connotations of the words are not exactly nice, in that they have many other possible meanings… but it does describe the feelings that I have when watching good people make bad decisions. And at this moment I don’t need to watch TV to see action. Hokey Mokey!

What can a person do? The answer is simple I guess… nothing.

I am reminded again that I am not God. Thankfully that is so very true. If I was I would be zapping some sanity back into some folk’s lives before they hurt everyone in their little world.

I know that all my readers/followers are not strong faith people… and may not be Bible Readers… but I point to that book anyways.

The Bible is filled with great accounts of stupid people that had to do it all the hard way… before they finally got a clue and woke up.

I get my solace there… God cares enough to make dumb people listen… or enough to wait until they can hear. I wouldn’t – He does.

That is Grace in its fullest. And His main mission today is to apply that Grace a little thicker in areas that need a whole lot more. Go for it God! I will step back and hold my breath… while you do the rest.

PS – God there is one or two idiots right now that are called my fellow human beings… and they need a little more zapping right now… oh sorry God… I need to get out of the way!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Goat Rotti – the “Beautiful Women Project” – with Love of my Life – along with People mixed in

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Today’s Blog Post
Goat Rotti – the “Beautiful Women Project” – with Love of my Life – along with People mixed in

Usually after a long day of being away from it all I reflect on what happened for Alida and me. Today there is lots of reflection… lots and lots and lots of it. Almost to the point of overload.

Every so often we treat ourselves to “date”. We try to get away together and remember the joy of ourselves – of just being together. For years we have given away much of ourselves and now hope to keep a little for us. That is what the “date” is all about.

Yesterday was another really long “date” together.

We left at 7:30 AM and returned home at 12:25 AM – the next day. On the date we walked almost continuously from 10 AM to 10 PM – only 12 hours – except for a sit down when eating of trying out comfy chairs (which I almost didn’t get out of).

Now that I have found your attention I can share what it was like to like to be young again as we traveled to the CNE again this year. The CNE for anyone that isn’t from Ontario… is the Canadian National Exhibition… which as some may guess is a collection of hundreds of thousands of interesting people all milling around each other, dressed in casual clothing, spinning in hundreds of rides and eating some many different kinds of foods that it are hard to imagine!

It is one of Canada’s largest exhibitions and it is amazing.

As we strolled through the long avenues and side streets of the massive fair grounds we were in love again – that first love again. 48 years ago we did the same things just after we met in Regina, Saskatchewan… when we walked around the Regina Exhibition. At that moment I was 18 and the beautiful girl beside me was 16. The smell of Hamburgers and Hot Dogs and Corn and Candy Floss mixed with the sounds and the sights were almost the same.

We held hands yesterday and remembered what it was like to be young again… WOW! What a feeling!

At every Exhibition in our country there is not only that potential “relationship” thing between young people, but there is also humungous display of all kinds of things that businesses and people bring to show and sell. There are also people showing off what they do with talents and unique abilities.

There is the Farm Building with Cattle and Sheep and piglets and chickens and turkeys… all the stuff of my Roots. Yesterday we smelled and felt all that again… and the prairie rushed back into my life again… I was a boy all over again… with a beautiful girl walking by my side at the Ex!

Then there were the Butter Carvers… in the very cold room with their pounds and mounds of Butter, simple carving tools and the unbelievable things they were carving. The poor girl inside the cold room was stamping her feet and rubbing her legs to get some heat into them.
The sheep shearing was totally amazing. A gal from near Peterborough, had a Ewe sitting on its rump and supported against her own legs… as she passed the electric clippers up and down its body. In less than 4 minutes the sheep was wagging its tail happily without the heavy coat of wool. The shearer stated for all the possible worriers in the audience, “The sheep is not frightened as it cannot think ahead or worry about what might happen next… there is no for-thinking.”
As I heard that statement – my thoughts bounded forward for a sermon illustration… where I will preach about sheep shortly… WOW… “We are the sheep of His pasture”!

We wondered on our adventure until we were standing at maybe one of the most amazing art shows that I have ever witnessed! There on the wall were life like creations of women’s partial torsos… which included their breasts and tummy… kind of a body armour plate… suspended from the wall. I had read about this special Art Show but never guessed I would ever see it personally. WOW! It was amazing to take in.
There are 120 real women represented with these life like portrayal of women’s natural body structure. Each portrayal has an amazing story behind it… each with enough story to keep you thinking for a long, long time. Each body was so different… each body was a different age… and each bore the mark of life. Each was a portrait of what God had made… the gift that he had give to each person… to each husband (if there was one), to each family and/or maybe only to the person that owned it.

I struggle to find words to describe the amazing feelings I had just standing there... taking it all in.

Remember that we were at the CNE with hundreds of people milling by the exhibit every 5 minutes… like a human river… and all with bodies that were far less than sexy… or Playboy/Play Bunny types of pornography. Just real people passing by… hot… sweaty… tired and together.

As I stood looking at the amazing creation I wondered who had thought this through so well… WOW!

It was at that wondering moment that a striking and friendly worker at the exhibit grinned at us and asked how we were. She was very friendly.

I looked at her for a moment and then asked, “You wouldn’t happen to be the artist that created all of this would you?”
She grinned from ear to ear with her dimple showing, “Yes I am…” and she giggled. It was the moment that I met Cheryl-Ann Webster, the artist extraordinaire.

I stumbled over my words as I tried to tell her of my own art work and how much I appreciated what we were taking in. How do you share the feeling of inadequacy as a creator of stuff – when you stand in front of a creative genius? YET Cheryl-Ann is so real… not stuffy… not elite… not unreal… not so popular and so important that she can’t or won’t talk to dumb people that ask dumb questions! Cheryl-Ann is down to earth and sparkles… duh… now I sound dumb as I stumble over words to describe this artist who has stirred me deeply.

In the next 20 minutes as she walked through the exhibit with Alida and me she told us amazing stories that had been some of the catalyst behind the show as it developed.

Her discovery of the fact that one of her daughter’s friends was saving money for a breast implant at 13 years of age… helped spur her on with the project that would shout out to the world… “You are beautiful the way that you are!”
This show is the “Beautiful Women Project”… and I stumble over my words to describe it. I WANT TO SHOUT IT OUT… “YOU HAVE ONLY 16 DAYS TO GET TO THE CNE TO SEE THIS AMAZING SHOW! GET GOING – the price of admission is worth is all!!!!

We were attending the CNE with some friends of ours that also hale from a church background. The show triggered strong feelings in me as we discussed the possible reaction church people would have… and what the “Beautiful Women Project” showing would produce in these folks.

My thesis is simple… most Conservative, and dare I say Evangelical, Dear Christian Folk (CDCF) freak at nudity or a suggestion that some one was possibly nude for an artist to look at… when creating the work of art. Old Holiness Roots are deep.

I told my friend that the show that I had just witnessed would freak out the CDCF in their teeny, tiny, CDCF Boxes of life.

That led to some active discussion as we walked on and on… and left me reflecting back again to a world that I once was a part of CDCF… shuddering… oh the little boxes!

We wondered on and on… more stuff to see… more worlds to discover.

In one of the worlds that yesterday was a delightful and very large Goat Rotti. Alida and I treated ourselves to one each! So different than that first Hot Dog that I bought her 48 years ago!

As I sat there thoroughly savouring every bite of the delicious curried, boneless goat… I thought of our 48 years together… which has involved world living… traveling… and savouring culture from everywhere. We have been living so far from the little CDCF box it hard to imagine.

Yep – most CDCF will not eat a Rotti either (with apologies for the generalized statement… to the few that have stepped outside the little box).

In the gigantic International Building we met a wonderful family that hovered around the products that they were selling from the UK. Here they displayed delightful critters of poured stone and clay mixtures. Along with the most amazing pewter animals – this booth was super!

Yes we bought one for a friend…

With the gal that was telling us about the UK products was a beautiful baby… only six weeks old… and with that baby was his mom and dad, two uncles, a proud Grandma and Grandpa… that all were looking after him. The new daddy boxed the product we bought… laughed as he told us of the family’s delight with the First Child, First Grandson, First Nephew, and First of everything in the family taking part in their very first CNE Showing.

These were not just vendors but real people that loved and lived and shared their real lives. In years to come the new baby would tell of how photos were taken on him with grandpa at that very first CNE in 2010.

In the International Building we met vendors from Israel and Africa, from Russia and Finland and from China and from Burma and from every corner of the Earth. We were traveling again…

WHAT A WONDERFUL DATE with my best girl ever!

At almost 1:00 AM I slipped my arms around my beautiful wife and said good night.

Oh Lord… thank you for a wonderful day and wonderful life!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Source:
http://www.cawebster.com/
http://www.cawebster.com/bwp/

Bling from the 2010 CNE

Saturday, August 21, 2010

God I Need Your Help Today – the Lump in my Throat is too big

Misty Hollow Carving
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.

My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.

To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/

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Today’s Blog Post


God I Need Your Help Today – the Lump in my Throat is too big

The clear, earnest eyes of the young boy stared at me and watched my reaction to his question, “Do you know if my Daddy will die this month?”

What do you say to such honesty and openness?

“Daddy” has been in prison for a long time and away from his family. Circumstances will not let him go home – probably ever. He can see his kids from time to time, but with the approximately 5 Hour drive one way, it is very difficult.

“Daddy” has a brain tumour that is growing very slowly but it is growing. He is only one of 10 known cases of this tumour in Canada. He has lost his mobility now being able to stand only on one leg now. For that reason he is in the hospital and no longer able to live alone.

Last evening a friend of “Daddy” brought his three boys the 5 Hour drive across country. The friend was driving to Ottawa for the weekend and bought the kids along with him.

A group of us had “Daddy” out for a picnic that we do once a month.

“Daddy” didn’t know some of us had planned that… and he naturally wept when his boys climbed out of the truck they arrived in. With his one good arm he pulled the boys to himself and cried, “My boys, my boys, my boys...”

Yep I cried too… and had to move away before I blubbered in front of the others.

The scene was too much for Macho Man! Yikes!!

I took the boys to the side and talked to them about “Daddy” is doing. Mommy is too angry to talk with them about “Daddy” and never mentions him. She was hurt so deeply by what happened in the past that the present thoughts are not good ones. I have talked with her quite a few times and I certainly understand the pain.

Right now “Mom” has lost her job and it is very tight just living each day. She has no support from anyone. Their teenage son, who was along with his younger brothers, told me that part of the story very openly. He carries a weight much bigger than normal 17 year olds as he looks after two young brothers and listens to mom… and misses his “Daddy”… er… “Dad”.

There are times as I help people through life that I feel overwhelmed with the needs that I see. I wish that I could wave a magic wand and do SOMETHING to make things better.

I looked at the 10 year old and said honestly, “We don’t know when it will happen. But we know that tumour is growing slowly, that’s why his leg will not let him stand up anymore and his arm will not work either… so he has to sit in the wheel chair.”

The last time the boys saw him in June, “Daddy” was walking.

“Why can’t they take the tumour out of his head?” the bright young fellow asked.

His older teenaged brother spoke up as he held out his two hands. He placed his one hand on the other. “There is a kind of cancer that is like this,” placing one hand on top of the other, “They can cut it off… Dad’s cancer is like this,” placing his fingers interwoven, “they can’t cut it out or they would take away too much.”

The seventeen year old waited for his little brother to respond. That was very good but hard for a 10 year old to process.

The 10 year old asked more questions. His 12 year old brother walked over to where his suitcases were sitting on the ground… sat down with his back to all of us and put his head on his knees. He didn’t want anyone to see the big tear rolling down his cheek.

I cried too and put my hand on his shoulder.

Sometimes life is not fair. It is just not fair at all. These boys did NOTHING to deserve this NOTHING AT ALL… and I don’t have any answers for the bright eyes that looked so earnestly at me.

I looked up and their Daddy was taking our picture with his little camera. He smiled from ear to ear… still happy that we had brought his boys for the visit.

God I need your help today... I really do! The lump in my throat is too big!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Friday, August 20, 2010

The Marmota monax and Me - Part Two - Meet Groung Hog Hubert

Misty Hollow Carving
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.

My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.

To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/

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Today’s Blog Post
The Marmota monax and Me - Part Two - Meet Groung Hog Hubert

“He is so cute... I think we should keep him…!” my wife said as I picked up the live trap and carried him toward the waiting Van.

It was 11:30 PM and I had just looked out the bedroom door to check to see if the lettuce in the live trap was gone. Yep it was gone and something brown was moving around in the trap.

We were Victorious – Mr. Marmota monax was now leaving our yard!

We had caught the Ground Hog Hubert, that had made its way under our Garden Shed!

I confess that I didn’t think that we would catch him this fast – only one day of waiting!

Now there was is another possible problem. As I headed into the back yard tonight my wife caught a glimpse of a Black and White fluffy tail quickly disappear past the ladder and toward the fence. She was sure that she saw some black on it as well… and she wouldn’t come closer.

We don’t even live in the country… and we are surrounded by critters! Yikes!

This character has no idea how lucky he is. I had all kinds of suggestions as to how I might best move him out.

One suggestion would have worked in the country a bit further out. One neighbour has a gun that he promised wouldn’t make much noise.

Another friend stated that it would be easy, “You just need a can of gasoline, pour a large amount down the hole and then light it. But run quickly away as it tends to puff outwards like a huge torch…”

Being that it was under the Garden Shed that might have burned up the Shed as well.

Another suggested that there is a “bomb” that is simply rolled down the hole after you pull a pin. It explodes in all directions and produces lots of smoke.

Ground Hog Hubert has no idea how lucky he was that our friend loaned us the Live Trap. No idea at all!

Last night he rested well... not far from Costco... in the woods near by!

Enjoy the photos…

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog

Thursday, August 19, 2010

What we need is a little POT in Church

Misty Hollow Carving
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.

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Today’s Blog Post
What we need is a little POT in Church
This story is just too good to pass up. It is just too funny and the possibilities are wonderful for a Blogger from Ontario – far away from the danger and implications of – whatever.

In BC – the most western Province of Canada – there are many people that grow Marijuana. It is kind of a cultural thing and also maybe because it is a lucrative crop. With it being illegal to do so, it also is more fun to grow.

That being said, the most recent Maryjane bust took place in a small community named Christina Lake, BC. When Police arrived to dismantle the operation of 2300 plants of Marijuana they found 13 rather docile Black Bears guarding the operation.

Apparently from what The Canadian Press report states, these Bears had been fed cans of Dog Food to keep them around. The Bears were very familiar with human beings and were not aggressive in any way… almost like 13 pets from the sound of it all.

I am not totally sure of all the affects of Marijuana but I am assuming that the basic contents in the plant could be potent to some extent without smoking.

Now simple logic tells me that Bears eating nothing but Dog Food would need some basic roughage… and MJ could provide just the right amount to get the Dog Food down.

I don’t know for sure of my assumption, but could it be that the Bears are hooked on the stuff just like the folk that grow it?

Now the Canadian Press didn’t suggest it, BUT most people I know that smoke POT are quiet, gentle beings that smile a lot. They are not aggressive drunks that try to drive home and kill someone. They hang around the POT to smoke more.

As I read the story and listen to the news account of the Bears guarding the POT… these old guys weren’t about to hurt anyone… they were HAPPY BEARS!

Now where do I go with this?

As a minister is churches for 35 years I have encountered some ornery folk… just a few mind you. They were hard to deal with at times. In fact when drawing comparisons they could well be like an Old Black Bear that was nudged awake too early… and you couldn’t trust them. They might just take a chunk out of you when you least expected it!

Please re-read that paragraph and note the word “some”… that means not many… just a few… but enough to make life “interesting”. When dear Sister So and So declared her displeasure – watch out! When she thought more hymns should be played and less of that young stuff… you better listen up!!!

Now if somehow the church could start getting folk to think of grinning down a little… you know like bearing down… like cooling down… maybe things would be easier for Sister So and So and others like her.

Maybe if we could introduce POT to our services it would be easier. You know like the Catholics do as their Priests walk down the aisle with his small incense censor wagging the smoke on everyone…

Good Lord in heaven a Pentecostal minister has suggested POT use in church!!!????!!!

Well – I don’t know – it seems to work on all my POT smoking friends… makes them happy most of the time. It seems to work on the Bears… they were pretty passive when the cops arrived… Maybe…?

Now I know that Pentecostals are proud that they don’t smoke (at least they don’t show that stuff when the Preacher comes around..) and they are proud of it.

BUT maybe if small amounts could be introduced by way of the Air Conditioner Vents… Dear Sister So and So and Brother grumpy would smile more….

AND the possibility of increasing the attendance at church that was happy… is phenomenal!

I bet that would hit the air waves across Canada and The Canadian Press would be there in a heart beat.

Okay, Okay… I will back off this idea. It is grabbing at straws and trying to do something rather stupid. You aint going to change Sister So and So… and Brother Grumpy won’t take his Exlax. Sheesh!

But happy and docile Bears gave me the idea. It is a complete personality change.

God has been trying for years to get these Old Folks to smile… maybe POT would work better…?

Sorry… Oh boy! Come smile – it doesn’t hurt at all!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Source:
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/849576--bit-of-an-odd-situation-police-find-bears-guarding-pot-crop?bn=1
http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/18/2160139/bc-police-bears-surrounded-pot.html

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Danger, Danger – Grandpa Needs Help

Misty Hollow Carving
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.

My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.

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Today’s Blog Post


Danger, Danger – Grandpa Needs Help
The husky, teenage voice stated the obvious, “Grandpa I think we should tie the rope around the tree like the last time… or else it will swing down and knock you off the ladder!”
Good advice from my 15 year old grandson. He was standing at the base of the ladder that I was one… holding it secure so that Old Guy wouldn’t fall off.

His sister had the sheet of paper that Grandma had written out to call 911 in case Grandpa did fall off the ladder or out of the tree.

As I held the chain saw and cut piece after piece off the large tree limbs I thought back to my first adventure of having Clifford help me do something.

We had travelled from Saskatchewan and were staying at our kid’s home in Scarborough. The windows of the Condo were dirty and I had time to help. With a bucket of water, soap, and some rags I got to work.

As I wiped the water from the window I felt a small hand on my ankle just above my shoe. It was pulling as hard as it could to lift the body attached to it. Clifford was maybe two years old. He pulled himself up with another rag in his hand and began polishing the big glass of the patio doors.
Snap – went the camera and the scene was captured for ever. Enjoy.
Yesterday we took down another two sections of the large tree. Perhaps more will come down this week.

As a Grandpa I kind of swell up with pride. All the grand kids love to help. They are excellent workers.

Next week or so three more will be here to help us do more stuff.

What a joy to have this blessing now. I am old enough to need it and young enough to enjoy it.

Clifford and Emma both held the rope so the large limb wouldn’t take grandpa off the ladder. Swish it swung free and they lowered the branch to the ground.

I am blessed!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/


Tuesday, August 17, 2010

The Marmota monax and Me

Misty Hollow Carving
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.

My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.

To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/

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Today’s Blog Post
The Marmota monax and Me
“How much wood would a Woodchuck chuck if a Woodchuck could chuck wood?”

Well I may be able to answer this age old question soon and in a rather interesting way. Yikes.

My wife came excitedly out to the driveway one morning lately where I was working and exclaimed, “We have a Groundhog in our backyard and he ducked into Larry and Linda’s yard under the fence! I missed the picture of him… he is so cute!”

In our area along the Parkway (about four blocks away) you can see many Groundhogs… or Woodchucks… or The Marmota monax. They are eating incessantly each afternoon in the sunlight. Fat and full each night when they retire.

Yesterday as I was preparing to cut more of our back tree down I plugged in my electrical cord for the saw. In doing so I stepped into part of the flower bed close to the little shed. The earth was soft and further out than I remembered it the other day… it was also lighter in colour and fresh. I looked down and then into the shrub… YIKES!

WE HAVE THAT CUTE LITTLE GUY LIVING UNDER OUR GRADEN SHED NOW! The Marmota monax has moved in.

Our next door neighbour is at his cottage for most of the summer – only coming home to collect some veggies from his HUGE Garden and check the house etc. This week he will get a new surprise with the fact that The Marmota monax… is now using his garden as his restaurant/buffet!

I am providing safe housing and my neighbour is providing the food!
Now they are cute… but they are a rodent that loves green stuff. If they would eat dandelions and weeds they would be welcome… but…. I am not sure!

No I do not have a good photo of him yet… these are only stock photos that others have shared.
Wikipedia states…
Mostly herbivorous, groundhogs primarily eat wild grasses and other vegetation, and berries and agricultural crops when available. Groundhogs also eat grubs, grasshoppers, insects, snails and other small animals, but are not as omnivorous as many other sciuridae. Like squirrels they also have been observed sitting up eating nuts such as shagbark hickory but unlike squirrels do not bury them for future use.

And also states... of its burrow…
Groundhogs are excellent burrowers, using burrows for sleeping, rearing young, and hibernating. The average groundhog has been estimated to move approximately 1 m3 (35 cu ft), or 320 kg (710 lb), of dirt when digging a burrow. Though groundhogs are the most solitary of the marmots, several individuals may occupy the same burrow. Groundhog burrows usually have two to five entrances, providing groundhogs their primary means of escape from predators. Burrows are particularly large, with up to 14 metres (46 ft) of tunnels buried up to 1.5 metres (5 ft) underground, and can pose a serious threat to agricultural and residential development by damaging farm machinery and even undermining building foundations.

Hokey Mokey! I have one entrance to a tunnel that can be up to 46 feet in length with five entrances, even undermining building foundations!!!!

Maybe a live trap will work? Suddenly it isn’t CUTE anymore!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog

Sunday, August 15, 2010

The Bank Robbery and the Black Walker

Misty Hollow Carving
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.

My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.

To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/  

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Today’s Blog Post
The Bank Robbery and the Black Walker
For almost 50 years I have watched Bank Robbers on TV. At first there was nothing like a great Western Movie that showed the dare devils rushing into a bank, blazing and firing pistols into the roof and demanding money. Then watching them run from the Bank, jump on to waiting horses and ride off into the country side with the loot.

Never did I stop to ask, what they did with the loot. I mean there were no shopping Malls along the dusty trail. All the stores were in that small town. And even if you split up the loot and returned to the town to spend it, there would be a problem.

If you were from the area people knew that you were poor… and suddenly you would have money to spend. If you were not from the area, the suspicions would likely be greater. Duh!? These movies were nuts! No planning for the robbery! Dumb Dumb Dumb.

Later on and even in more recent times, the Bank Robbery Movies have offered more thinking. There is nothing like a good action filled movie where super planning is involved.

Like a few weeks ago we watched a classic Bruce Willis movie where he thwarts the plans of a major bank robber who shuts the power off for the whole city, blows up the ground below a bank and does all kinds of whacky stuff with front end loaders and dump trucks. It was a good movie about robbery.

Now, now… I am still a Pastor at heart. Pastors don’t rob banks nor do they recommend people plan to do so. Relax. I am poor, but not that poor.

I lay this opening foundation and back ground to point to the person that I will call, “The Old Guy” – or “TOG”.

“TOG” carried out his plan on Friday, the 13th. Maybe that was the problem for “TOG” all the way along. He didn’t think about the date.

Sometime before 11:45 AM “TOG” waltzed into a Bank of Nova Scotia in Prince George, B.C. and told the Staff that he was armed and demanded cash. What is unusual about it all was that “TOG” was using a Black Walker… the kind that all of “TOG’s” friends use down in the food court of most Malls in Canada.

The article by Frank Luba is loaded with subtle humour and potential for me to investigate more.

“TOG” was described as being about 230 pounds and on a Black Walker. How far can you get-a-way on a Walker. And the colour thing is even more funny… from what I see the Walkers come in Black, Blue and Red with the odd silver one thrown in. And most people that are like “TOG” sit in the food court with their Walker close by in case they have to go to the washroom quickly.

Now granted, if “TOG” was really smart, he could have borrowed another Old Guy’s Walker and did the job before the dude had to make his Washroom break away.

Now doing some simple police work, I discovered that Prince George BC is the same size as Peterborough, Ontario where I live. And doing some simple senior surmising, I know all the coffee shops in our city. In our city there are only two Malls here and dozen’s of Tim Hortons coffee shops. Prince George has to be almost the same.

In a city this size you know all the Senior Coffee Shop visitors. The cute girls behind the counter also know 99% of the clients… and undoubtedly who drives which Walker.

“TOG” was not hard to catch. They did that in about 45 minutes.

Why 45 minutes? Well it likely took that long to get the Bank Tellers to stop laughing. The questioning of a typical Cop is very thorough. “Did you notice anything unusual about this man, could you see if he wore Depends or not… you know the baggy butt thing?”

They did get from the Bank Staff that… quote…
“The suspect was described as a Caucasian male weighing about 230 pounds. He was wearing a straw hat, white T-shirt, grey jogging pants and dark glasses - and he was using a walker that many rely on for mobility.” End quote

I can tell you why and what the defence team at his trial should use… it was his turn to buy coffee! No kidding… each time he has to buy everyone shows up that day… and he simply didn’t have enough money… plain and simple to show the court a motive.

Secondly, his senior pensions have shrunk again. And BC is like Ontario, there is a new Tax on everything. They just blasted in the dreaded and hated HST as well. “TOG” has to pay more for Haircuts!

These dumb government decisions have pushed “TOG” over the edge.

Now what is not written in the article, is the fact that “TOG” likely has a family. And the kids of “TOG” will likely have to deal with the embarrassment of putting up bail for “TOG”. And if there is a Mrs. “TOG”… he will pay for this for the rest of his life. He will never hear the end of it!

As to potential Robbers in Peterborough… now my friend Terry uses a Walker and Winston uses an Electric Wheel Chair. I hold the doors open for them.

Terry always waits for his wife Marion to drive the get-a-way car. Winston drives himself but takes a long time to get the e-Chair in and out of his vehicle. Both of these guys are too slow to Rob much of anything.

And I laugh about it all… way too much!

I wish “TOG” all the best. I think you should write a book!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Source:
Story by Frank Luba, Post Media News
http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Elderly+with+walker+robs+bank+makes+slow+getaway/3400590/story.html

Walker photos from
http://www.companionwalker.com/walker.html