From RR#1

Tuesday evening, Kari & I went to a talk and power point presentation given by Neil Dawe of the Qualicum Institute, (Sponsored by the Denman Island Conservancy Assoc.). He was speaking on the issue of "Sustainability." Neil maintains that there is no such thing as "sustainable economic growth" and that the world must become economically static to save the biodiversity that allows us to exist on our planet. He maintains that we are preoccupied by trying to remedy the symptoms of Economic Growth such as global warming, rather than than address the cause. You can read about his thoughts and powerful reasoning here. I wonder how many people attending thought about the current Denman North Lands Development as unnecessary Economic Growth. Being less consumer driven is something we talk about often and we have decreased our "carbon footprint" since moving here, however; there is much more to do. (I might have to start drinking Van Isle wine) Speaking of reducing our footprint; Al Gore got some free press on the Oscars on Sunday. However, it seems that the current "Champion" of the fight against Global Warming racks up more power bills in a month, than the average American household does in a year. We all have a long way to go when it comes to consuming more goods and services than we actually need. Time to give up the mansion Al!

Wednesday, we woke up to a couple of inches of the white stuff. The sun came out and it was all but gone by noon. The snow started again Wedensday evening as I was on my way to a "Backhall Concert". This one featured Romi Mayes, Kent McAlister and Dustin Bentall, (son of Barney Bentall + Legendary Hearts).... These three young songwiters each played their own brand of country, blues, folk and interacted with each other and the audience. All were very good and you can hear some of their stuff by following the name links. Click HERE to launch your mp3 player and hear one of (23 year old) Dustin's tunes. I think this kid has a future.

From CJ in NZ "Were alive and well...and have been working really hard...ill phone in the next while...were working still in hastings and staying in a trailer in the orchard and have made a tonne of friends...weve been working 8.5 hours a day 6-7 days a week..and im up to making 150$ a day...woohoo... were making money so that we can go kayaking/camping in the bay of islands before we depart from the land of the long white cloud..."

I've included a picture of RR#1 Denman Island; note: the fastening techniques for mailboxes range from clothespins to sticks to nothing at all.

Tomorrow is our first official "no screen day", so I can no longer post on Sundays. Hey, it seemed like a good idea at the time.


Cheap Dave's Wine Corner.
Zunio Zinfandel 2003 - (13.99) - California. A California 'fruit bomb" for sure. Take a bottle to the beach for some easy sipping enjoyment. Kari likes this wine a lot! Vancouver Magazine's International Wine Awards listed this wine as a top contender in the "rich red" category - "Gobs of mulberry fruit, serious spice, ridiculous value. What are you waiting for?

I came across this article on Cono Sur wines. It makes for some interesting reading on the organic nature of grape growing in Chile. It all comes down to Geese, Grease, Grass and spiders. Enjoy!

Last, but not least, there's a link to the right for Cheap Dave's Wine Recommendations. This is a summary of wines mentioned in past Blogs, (only the good ones).