H.E. Scott's Blog

Introductory Flight Test

For Christmas 2022 my husband gave me an introductory flight. He opened Pandora’s Box. I had such a great time and I realize that I could do this. I had always thought it ‘would be too difficult’ and I ‘couldn’t do it’ but what I am discovering is that if you decide you want to...

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I Just Discovered!!!!

Diana Gabaldon announced,

“I’ve finished writing GO TELL THE BEES THAT I AM GONE, as of March 27, 2021!”

(I’ve Finished Writing BEES… | DianaGabaldon.com, n.d.)

I am a huge fan of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. I love the books and TV series. Therefore, by the time number nine is on the shelves my eight tattered and well used books will certainly be read again.

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Pandemic 1918 – 1919

This is Timeless….

Written in 1869 by Kathleen O’Mara:

And people stayed at home
And read books
And listened
And they rested
And did exercises
And made art and played
And learned new ways of being
And stopped and listened
More deeply
Someone meditated, someone prayed
Someone met their shadow
And people began to think differently
And people healed.
And in the absence of people who
Lived in ignorant ways
Dangerous, meaningless and heartless,
The earth also began to heal
And when the danger ended and
People found themselves
They grieved for the dead
And made new choices
And dreamed of new visions
And created new ways of living
And completely healed the earth
Just as they were healed.

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Reprinted during Spanish flu, Pandemic, 1919,
Photo taken during Spanish flu

Thank you to everyone in the healthcare profession for all that you do.

We are so fortunate to live in this time where we have access to amazing doctors and nurses and other healthcare professionals who are working so hard to help people affected with Covid 19 to recover.

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Collaboration – Coronavirus

Camden Voices (self-isolation/virtual choir cover)

There is so much talent in the world. Amazing, staying at home we can all do our part to make these days much, much better for everyone.

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Cambodia – Part II

So why go to Cambodia? It all started with my girlfriend’s special birthday. She wanted a meaningful birthday and asked me to join her on a house building trip. I love Asia and had never been to Cambodia or even thought to go there so we packed our suitcases and off we went.

The heat in Cambodia at the end of March 2007 slapped us in the face as soon as we stepped off the plane. We descended a ramp into a huge hall where a group of official-looking military men waited for us to give them our passports, to process our VISAs. With our fresh VISAs in hand we exited the terminal to find our ride to The Golden Gate Hotel http://www.goldengatehotels.com/, in Phenom Penh.  The adventure had begun.

[image error]The streets of Phnom Penh 2007

On my first trip to Phnom Penh, there were few high-rise towers and the general transportation was small motorcycles, tuk-tuk’s and various other types of unusual conveyances.

[image error]Change 2017

Ten years later, November 2017, my fourth trip to the country, I was astounded. Over a ten year span the skyline changed, cars and high rises dominated the city.

[image error]Victims detained and documented at Tuol Sleng

However, even in 2017 there is was still so much poverty. The reason for our first visit to Cambodia was not just to sight-see but to understand why Cambodia was so poor. When we arrived in 2007, we noticed a whole generation was missing. There were young adults and children as well as elderly people but hardly any middle-aged members of their society. They had disappeared or been killed during Pol Pot’s reign of terror. Many of all ages were gone but the middle-aged group that should have been part of their society was noticeably missing.

[image error]Tuol Sleng detention centre. Was a high school prior to the Pol Pot Regime

Janne Ritskes, the founder of Tabitha Cambodia, requires all the people building houses for her non-government organization (NGO) to attend Tuol Sleng, also known as S21, which was the Khmer Rouge main interrogation center, previously a high school; and Choeung Ek one of the many killing fields in the country. This is to ensure that everyone understands why many people in the outlying villages are so poor in spirit, poor financially and have such low self-esteem.

[image error]Entrance to Choeung Ek, killing field outside of Phnom Penh

We were told that if we wanted to find out what it was like in Cambodia at the time of Pol Pot’s reign that we should watch the movie “The Killing Fields”. I have never seen it and am a little afraid to watch it. The emotion I have experienced every time I have gone to Choeung Ek outside of Phnom Penh and visited Tol Sleung, the interrogation building, tears well up in my eyes. It is difficult to contain my emotions. I remember hearing about Kampuchea, what Cambodia was called in the seventies. The news reported atrocities and people dying. I was young, I couldn’t really understand the enormity of what was happening there. It was so far away, what could I, a teen aged girl, do? [image error][image error]

I probably would never have thought to go to Cambodia if my friend had not asked me to go to build houses to celebrate her birthday. Now that I know about Cambodia’s history and have built new houses for poor villagers I cannot stop going. On our fourth trip in 2017, we went with a couple from Alberta, Canada and a couple from a local Rotary club, to build houses for poor villagers. We are slowly spreading the word, with each new group we take with us, that there is still a great need in Cambodia.

[image error]Old House

[image error]New House

Tabitha was started by Janne Ritskes, a Canadian woman who saw the need in that country and went there in 1992, to bring change and help the poor of Cambodia. In 1994 she founded Tabitha Cambodia.

Tabitha’s Mission 

To enable the poorest of the poor in Cambodia to recognize and develop inherent skills and resources in a way that brings dignity and respect within the people we work with; within the country and within the world; and that will result in measurable and visible improvement in the lifestyles of the people we work with.

Tabitha’s Vision 

The vision is to develop processes which will enable people to actively make their own choices and processes which will result in alleviation of poverty – results which can be clearly identified and seen. 

I have seen first hand how Tabitha has changed villager’s lives. To see their old houses side by side with the new ones we raised money to build is so inspiring and when I return to Canada none of my problems seem so bad. https://www.tabitha-cambodia.org/

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February is Black History Month in Canada

In 1995, to recognize the contribution to Canadian society, by people of African descent, the House of Commons recognized Black History Month, in a motion introduced by the Honorable Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to Parliament.

[image error]The Honourable Jean Augustine

 

 

 

In 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first black man appointed to the Senate, made a motion to have the Senate recognize Black History Month. Both motions received unanimous approval.

[image error]Senator Donald Oliver – Chanpostmedia – newsfiles

 

 

 

 

 

[image error]Mifflin Gibbs

The first black man to hold public office in Canada was Mifflin Gibbs. (Kilian, 2018) Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1823, Mifflin Gibbs started working at the age of 8 to support his younger brothers and widowed mother.  He was a determined young man and educated himself by becoming a member of Black literary societies. Mr. Gibbs worked for the underground railroad, a secret network of safe houses and routes for escaped slaves and, for a time, he traveled with Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist.

Mr. Gibbs sought better opportunities in California  and, while there, he met Governor James Douglas of British Columbia. [image error]

Governor Douglas, whose mother was a free woman of color, sought immigrants, sympathetic to Britain. These prospective immigrants sought a friendlier environment to that of America. (Ormsby, 2008) In 1858, with a promise of protection, land ownership and British citizenship after five years, many Black families moved from California to the Crown colony of Vancouver Island.

When he arrived in the colony Mr. Gibbs saw opportunity. He purchased property and found a business partner. They set up shop and competed with the Hudson’s Bay company, selling supplies to miners on their way to the Fraser River gold fields.

Mr. Gibbs became involved in colony politics and eventually was elected to the Victoria, British Columbia town counsel in 1866. Although Mr. Gibbs spent only ten years in the colony, the impact he had on it was impressive. Politically active, he ensured enfranchisement of black settlers who had come to the colony under the promise of receiving the vote. In 2016 Mifflin Gibbs was honoured by the City of Victoria, British Columbia, when it declared November 19, Mifflin Wistar Gibbs Day.

[image error]Leonard Braithwaite

Leonard Braithwaite, born in Toronto, Kensington Market, October 23, 1923 was the first African Canadian elected to the Ontario Provincial Legislature in 1963. During WWII he served as a mechanic in No. 6 Bomber Command in Yorkshire, England. After the war he continued with his education and graduated from Osgoode Hall Law school in 1958. He started his political career in 1960. Both the Progressive Conservatives and the NDP attempted to have him join their parties, but instead he ran as a Liberal and was elected the first Black parliamentarian in Canada in 1963. (Yarhi, 2017)

While in office, Mr. Braithwaite fought for minorities and for gender equality. When he left politics, he returned to his law practice and continued in law until he passed away March 28, 2012.

Finally, Viola Desmond, (Bingham, 2017) recently honoured with her likeness on the Canadian ten-dollar bill. The incident for which she is remembered possibly assisted in change in Nova Scotia.

[image error]Viola Desmond – The Canadian Encyclopedia

Ms. Desmond, born July 6, 1914, lived in Halifax with her parents and 10 siblings. An entrepreneur, she opened Vi’s Studio of Beauty Culture. She later opened Desmond School of Beauty Culture, a training center for women and where she sold the beauty products she created. Ms. Desmond was not known for her entrepreneurship as much as she was for a court trial due to the breakdown of her car.

In 1946 Ms. Desmond went to a movie theater while her car was being repaired. She purchased her ticket and proceeded into the main level to watch the show. As she entered a “whites only” area, she was told to move to the upper level of the theatre.  She offered to pay the difference in the price of the ticket, but was refused. She was taken to jail and put on trial without the benefit of counsel. The charge was attempting to defraud the Provincial Government of a one cent amusement tax. The judge fined her $26.00, the equivalent of $357.00 in 2018.

Ms. Desmond received assistance from the Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NSAACP) which raised money to fight her conviction. Carrie Best, of The Clarion Newspaper, also a woman of color, followed the case and kept the community abreast of the proceedings in Ms. Desmond’s trial.

Due to the injuries she received during her arrest, the doctor who attended her suggested she seek legal counsel. Her lawyer did not appeal the conviction but rather named the manager of the theatre and the theatre in a civil suit. The civil suit never made it to trial because the lawyer delayed too long to have  the criminal conviction put aside. However, her counsel did not bill her for his services and the NSAACP was able to use the money they raised to fight segregation in Nova Scotia.

Canada had an all-black battalion in WWI which served in France alongside the Canadian Forestry Corps and many African Canadians also served in WWII such as Major Stephen Blizzard and Welsford Daniels.

[image error]courtesy of Veterans Affairs Canada

 

[image error]Welsford Daniels courtesy of Veterans Affairs Canada

[image error]Major Stephen Blizzard courtesy of Veterans Affairs Canada

There is much more to tell about the history of African Canadians, their struggle and their contribution to Canadian Society in politics, medicine, business, arts, education and sports. These are but a few of those Canadians who, through perseverance and courage helped form the Canada we know today.

 

 

 

References

Bingham, R. (2017, October 26). Viola Desmond. Retrieved from The Canadian Encyclopedia: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.c...

Kilian, C. (2018, September 07). Mifflin Gibbs. Retrieved from The Canadian Encyclopedia: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.c...

Ormsby, M. A. (2008, February 14). Sir James Douglas. Retrieved December 26, 2018, from The Canadian Encyclopedia: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.c...

Yarhi, E. (2017, November 27). Leonard Braithwaite. Retrieved from The Canadian Encyclopedia: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.c...

 

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September 11, 2001

Walking through the September 11th memorial park in New York city I’m soothed with cool and quiet air. A surprising change from the heat of the day. The visitors, subdued, respectful, speak in hushed voices. I have the feeling I am in an outdoor cathedral. The city noises fade away, muffled by the sounds of the huge fountains pouring into the central blocks of what remains of the two World Trade Towers. As I read the names of the people, whose monument this is, I am stunned by how many there are. The plaques completely surround what was once the base of each building. It’s hard to believe this place once bustled with people going about their daily lives.

 

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When the planes hit the two buildings the force of the explosions molded steel girders into bizarre shapes, melted concrete stairs and burnt to cinders everything inside these towering structures.[image error]

[image error]Before

 

[image error]After

[image error]Section of steel facade, north tower

[image error]Concrete stairs taken from the rubble.

 

 

What was left on that day? Fear, distrust, loss, sadness and a scar so deep that for some, it will never be erased. But then there are these stories of life that come out of the rubble, like a pear tree, salvaged from the wreckage, cared for and tended until it revived and was replanted at this memorial site. Stories of heroism such as 24-year-old Welles Crowther who went back in and helped at least a dozen people get out alive. He gave his life helping strangers. Canadian, Brian Clark stopped to discuss with his co-workers if they should escape to the roof. When he heard someone’s screams he went to investigate and found Stanley Pramnaith trapped in the rubble. Both these men were lucky to survive the horror of that day.

Many of the first responders who went to the scene died but they saved many lives. There were so many heroes,  people who saw a need and fulfilled that need without question of what harm they were putting themselves in.

September 11 is a date to remember this tragedy, but it is also a day to remember all those people who helped selflessly, who worked hard to save the lives of so many people. I am humbled by their humanity during such a tragic time.

 

 

 

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Cambodia – Part 1

The Kingdom of Cambodia is a tiny country, nestled between Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand. [image error]

It is home to approximately 10 million people in its 181,000 square kilometers. It is green during the wet season with lakes spanning into the distance. Rice is the staple crop and much of it is planted and harvested by hand.

During the dry season the lakes disappear. Flat pasture spreads out as far as the eye can see, dotted here and there by palm trees and stilt houses.  Traveling into the countryside is like going back in time, farmers use water buffalo when plowing their fields and fishermen fish with hand nets.

[image error]In the dry season this house will occupy a wide, dry field.

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My first trip to Cambodia the roads were crowded with motor cycles, bicycles and tuk tuks.  Cars were few in number.

It was amazing how many people could fit on a motorcycle, crowd into a van or ride on top of a loaded truck.

Five riders, a young boy in front, the driver, another man and a woman holding her infant at the rear.  Only the driver required a helmet.

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Cambodia is an old country. Pre-historic stone tools found near Battambang suggests this area was inhabited 6,000 years ago. Angkor Wat, depicted on the Cambodian flag, was built in the 12th century. It is an incredible site. The construction is mind boggling, considering there were no cranes to lift the heavy blocks of stone.  Carvings on the walls depict scenes of daily life in Cambodia, battles and movement of people. My favorite temple, Bayon, displays many of these carvings and the huge smiling heads which are thought to be Buddha or Prohm, the Hindu god of creation.

[image error]Daily life in Cambodia. Bayon temple

 

 

[image error]Movement of an army, Bayon temple

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[image error]Bayon temple head, approximately 10 feet high

[image error]Ta Prohm temple built in the late 12th Century. Doorway overgrown with silk-cotton trees

Scenes in the movie “Tomb Raider” were filmed in Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat .

[image error]Kids swimming in the moat surrounding Angkor Wat

So why go to Cambodia in the first place? It all started with a birthday invitation. See Part 2. (coming soon)

More information about Cambodia travel : https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cambodia

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The West Coast Trail

A few years ago, I hiked the West Coast trail in Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia. This trail spans from Port Renfrew on the west coast of Vancouver Island, north to the town of Bamfield. We started our trek in a boat, on a very misty morning; crossed the Gordon River and  as soon as we disembarked, the adventure began.

The West Coast Trail

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When getting my gear together I didn’t think about walking poles or something to help me scramble up steep inclines. Needless to say I didn’t have any and was using my hands to climb the first part of the trail. Upon reaching the top I found a stick, nicknamed it “Ethel”, and it was my constant companion throughout the hike.

 

My pack was heavy, 45 pounds, with all my gear and food. At one point I tipped over, ending up face down, wedged between a log and salal, a leathery-leafed, woody-shrub. Note, always hike with a buddy, you never know when you will be completely helpless on the trail. Luckily one of my hiking buddies got my pack off so that I could free my arms and get up.

As a runner, I considered myself fit for this journey, envisioning a groomed path. Who knows where I got that idea. I read the brochure. I just didn’t expect to scramble over roots and rocks, up steep trails and very tall ladders. I was surprised by the wildness of the trail. We saw many signs of bears as we hiked and one morning a bear walked into our campsite. By the end of the first day, and five kilometers, I was exhausted, but it was incredible, like walking into the pages of Gulliver’s travels and we were the Lilliputians.

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We hiked on boardwalks, took little trams across gorges, climbed very high ladders and forded streams. This trip was the most challenging thing I have ever done. At one point I yearned to go home but I didn’t have the choice to go back or stop. The only thing I could do was dig deeper and find the will to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I’m glad I didn’t turn around. I found wonder awaiting me at every curve in the trail.

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It rained a lot the first couple of days. I became used to the fact that nothing I wore would be completely dry. Finally, the sun burst through the clouds and we walked out onto a sunny beach. The remains of numerous shipwrecks lay like memories of what they once were. This trail, originally called the Dominion Lifesaving Trail, was built to save shipwrecked survivors.

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Our journey took us along a long stretch of beach, towards Camanah Lighthouse, and a little slice of heaven, called Chez Monique’s. Monique Nytol and her husband started Chez Monique’s years ago, to serve hikers, starved for something more decadent than dehydrated carrots. A drink and a hamburger, to anyone who wants to pay the $25.00. I did, it was the most wonderful lunch I have ever had. I still think of that hamburger, it was huge, and worth every bite.

[image error]Cheq Monique’s “burger heaven”

 

 

At Nitnat Narrows, a hiker can indulge in a huge salmon steak or fresh crab and a baked potato. The Crab Shack, operated by Carl Edgar Jr., is a perfect spot to rest before crossing the narrows. Who wouldn’t want to have a fresh salmon steak the size of a dinner plate or fresh caught crab?

[image error]Fresh caught crabs, Nitnat Narrows, BC

 

 

When we finally reached the end of the trail I had mixed feelings. I didn’t want the adventure to end, even though I was very tired and had lost about 6 pounds. I did have to get back to my ordinary life. This was a life changing journey for me. I discovered I could overcome incredibly difficult challenges and look back to realize it wasn’t so hard after all.

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Le Mont Saint-Michel

There is village and a cathedral, on an island in Normandy, France, called Mont Saint-Michel. It is a fantastic place. It is about 1 kilometer from the mainland and when the tide is in the city is completely surrounded by water. There was once a tidal causeway that would be covered at high tide but now there is a permanent road connecting the island to the mainland. Now, less than 100 people live on the island but once it was occupied by Romans, Franks, monks, a French garrison to name but a few.

Mont Saint-Michel’s streets are narrow, cobbled and very steep. It seems that the buildings are leaning over as if they are trying to touch each other. When I first visited the city my children were all very small, the youngest only two. Needless to say we did a lot of walking and carrying of kids but it was a wonderful, magical place to visit.

One of the scenes from book III, takes place in the Cloisters, a tiny garden at the top of the mountain. It is beautifully decorated with arches, a garden in the center and a view out to sea. I have walked in this Cloister and imagined myself standing there, hundreds of years ago, and what it would have been like to live on this incredible island.

The coolness of the air here was most pleasant. Elieana walked


along the pathway surrounding a tiny, formal garden. One side opened to a spectacular view of the Alati Sea and the Dragon islands, barely discernible in the distance. Lavender bloomed in the very center of the garden, its scent, mingled with the salt air, reaching her on the slight breeze blowing in from the sea.

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