~ Charles Dickens British novelist and author Born on: 7th February 1812
Porte Ponderings:
Outside taking pictures Archie decided to follow beside my footsteps.
My odd-eyed cat insists on going outside. His name should have been Lucky. The day after we adopted him his brothers and sisters were all killed by a dog. He had an eye infection and one eye was closed. Once it was better we discovered he had odd coloured eyes. A genetic trait often believed to be a good luck omen. He insists on going outside and if he isn’t let out he beats up our indoor cat, Smokey.
This week Smokey hasn’t been feeling well. At 15 she had diarrhea and was vomiting so off to the Vet’s. $345 later and blood tests, a shot, diarrhea medicine we discovered she has hyperthyroidism. So $65 worth of meds and $49 blood test follow-up in 30 days. Her thyroid meds are almost 10 times what mine cost. Now for the daily pill before bed. But she is feeling much better.
“All great change in America begins at the dinner table”
~ Ronald Reagan 40th president of the USA Born on: 6th February 1911
Porte Ponderings:
America loves their actors. From Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump and everything in between.
The latest madness from the orange skinned leader is the proposed ethnic cleansing of Gaza. Move all the Palestinians out to neighbouring countries and re-build Gaza for the glory of the USA. The sad thing is that Israel and Egypt are agreeing to the plan. 2 million people to be moved and negotiations have begun.
But what have the Palestinians said? Do they want to leave their homes? Given the choice of leave or die they might decide to leave. What would you do if your children were starving?
~ James Joyce Irish novelist and poet Born on: 2nd February 1882
Porte Ponderings:
Yes, we are cursed to live in interesting times.
The Canada-USA tariff war is officially on. 25% tariffs on almost everything going either way across the boarder.
The speech made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last night was one of the best of his career. There is no choice but to stand up to a bully and fight back. Especially when the bully says don’t fight back or I’ll make it worse. Aren’t those the words of an abuser?
Given the history of our two countries working together to defend democracy this is a very dark day.
The automotive industry will be the first to be hit hard by the tariffs. Just in Time supply chains will suffer adverse effects.
“I withdraw my statement that half the cabinet are asses – half the cabinet are not asses”
~ Benjamin Disraeli Former prime minister of the United Kingdom Born on: 21st December 1804
Porte Ponderings:
This week has been filled with political news. The Canadian Minister of Finance resigned after she was advised she would be relieved of the position. And she should be fired. She let the Prime Minister run our debt from the projected $40Billion to over $60Billion with gimicky bonuses and “Tax Free” days (lost revenues) in an attempt to buy votes. She should have done her job better and we wouldn’t have this huge deficit.
The US President elect threatened huge tariffs. He’s not even in the position yet and he’s been causing major chaos everywhere. His own country will soon be shut-down because he encouraged Republicans to turn down the emergency funding. Chaos.
I’ve been sick all week. And unfortunately I’ve been watching too much news. It’s depressing and upsetting at the same time. Now that pneumonia is confirmed so I’m taking 2 antibiotics and using a puffer. I hope I’m feeling well soon or I may have to cancel Christmas Eve celebrations ;(
Often the Primary Photographer is too busy with the bride to go to the Groom’s place. I’m available to help. If your photographer doesn’t have a second shooter (or would like to sub-contract me as a second shooter)
Since I’m inarticulate, I express myself with images.
~ Helen Levitt Photographer Born on: 31st August 1913
Porte Ponderings:
Images have so much more impact than words. A small baby looking up at their mother. A groom getting ready for his wedding day. A family celebrating a moment. A black and white photo of poverty or war.
From the heights of passion to the lows of desperation photos are the visualization of our souls.
Porte Photos 