A note to Mother Earth.

Dear Mother Earth,

I am sorry.  I am sorry we put financial gain ahead of you.  I am sorry we ignore your warnings that you are not well.  I am sorry we are making you sick.  Sometimes you have a fever.  Sometimes it's a chill.  Those who understand, call it climate change.  Those who don't, say you're fine and just faking it, and that you've been faking it off and on since the world began, a mere 6,000 years ago.

I just want to tell you that you are lovely still, and that as I flew above you last week, leaving a trail of noxious gases, I saw your loveliness and marvelled at it.

Mount Hood is lovely. My compliments.

Sometimes you surprise us, as you go from mountains
to flat land, in a flash.

Sometimes, we try to work with you.

Sometimes, we don't.  .

You are lovely, you know.

And I hope your story has a happy ending ...

Defying Gravity.

I think we've established how much I like flying, looking down on the earth far below.  Sadly, I have to use a plane to experience it, but otherwise it's terrific.

It was only once I was in the plane, and looking at the route displayed on the seat-back in front of me, that I realized we'd be flying over mountains.  (insert squeal of delight here)  

Oh it is so magical seeing the world from up so high.

The skies were clear for much of the trip.  It was wonderful watching the changing landscapes from forests to farmland to bogs to foothills.  My window seat guaranteed me and excellent view.  And there was a bonus.

The plane was far from full.  Any time I wanted to look out the other side of the plane, I could.

Wasn't sure if those were forest fires .

Actually it was a bit hazy.  But when you're four miles up, that's sorta understandable.

Sigh ...

I'd left Halifax at 3 p.m. and thanks to my ability to travel back through time, arrived in Portland, Oregon, a mere 4 hours later, after flying for 8 hours !

And here kiddies is your bonus shot.  Pay close attention to the distance travelled, speed, and direction of travel.  Any questions ?