Happy spring equinox

We managed to get to the beach for a walk this week... something we should do more of. The herring spawn has finished, but the gulls don't seem to have noticed. The gull population explodes during herring season and one must be lucky or carry an umbrella if venturing to the beach... (we were lucky.) (Picture quality is poor, as I forgot camera and phone acted as backup.)

Straw Bale House Update: Now that I'm mostly over my flu-bug, things have picked up a bit. The main roof is strapped and ready for the metal roofing material. The beam vaulted roof in the living room, obviously is not ready. Next week, the dormer roof can be sheeted and a decision made whether or not to begin the beam work or roof the portion that's ready for it. I'm estimating that I'm about two months away from beginning the baling process. Work to be done prior to baling.... Completion of roof, plumbing stacks and chimney. Plumbing, electrical, in-floor heat, gas line rough-in and slab pouring. It'll be a busy spring.

Last weekend we had a few friends over for an informal wine-tasting. No rules, just bring your favorite red or white. In both categories the most expensive wine did not win on the score sheets.
Winner in the white category: Undurraga Sauvignon Blanc (Chile) $12.87
Winner in the red category: Southernmost Red (Argentina) $12.95

Hillary and Barack both are promising to re-visit NAFTA. When NAFTA was introduced, I was in the textile industry. There were about 20 mills in Canada at that time and most of the manufacturing component was unionized, paid decent wages and provided employee benefits. Within 5 years all but three mills were closed and to my knowledge two of the three remaining in Canada are now American owned. NAFTA was a great deal for the huge corporations that lobbied for it. But no one I know has ever told me that they've personally benefited by NAFTA. It was a great deal for the U.S.A. that could buy Canadian resources at bargain prices (against a weak currency). Now that the Loonie is flying..... maybe not such a good deal for the U.S., so it's time to change the rules. It'll be interesting to see the outcome of the election down south. Obama is definitely the "wild card". It's strongly rumored that both Clinton and McCain have attended "Bilderberg" which would indicate that they are the chosen ones. Should Obama come through without the blessing of Bilderberg.....? Let's just say, I hope he beefs up his security. (Yes, Steven Harper attended Bilderberg.)