People have begun to act like maybe, just maybe, we're turning a corner season-wise. The extra day off sent people working in their gardens, which was nice to see. It's far too early to plant here, but people are starting projects they've thought about all winter. Tomorrow, I start knocking out the rotten walls of an old shed. I'll use the solid frame to build a plastic sheet unheated greenhouse to extend my growing season.
I went to the Halifax explosion memorial yesterday. In 1917 2 ships collided in the narrows of the harbour, across the street from where I'm writing this. The cargo was ammunition, and it caused one of the largest non nuclear explosions up to the point. More than 1700 people died, and much of the city was destroyed. I was helping a family member with her garden, and you have to be careful because every shovel brings up so much glass. It's a stark reminder that hits me every time I work here. It was a long time ago, but not when you dig into it, like many things.
I imagine this sort of discovery isn't rare in Europe, but in North America, you don't hit these spots often.
This week I start volunteering at one of my old trades - teaching English - this time to refugees. I haven't taught language for 20 years. It'll be fun to make myself useful.
So things are starting, and there will be new growth. It's Spring!
