Thursday 9 April 2020

Day 28

Day 28 of me being isolated from the rest of the world. Ho hum.
Not much excitement in my life.... but this morning I woke up to SNOW! It's 9 April, should be spring, shouldn't it.... snow is not allowed! As soon as the sun came out, it all started to melt.

A couple of days ago I saw these little wild beauties flowering among the half-dead grass. Coltsfoot is one of the first flowers of the spring. Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is in the daisy family and has been cultivated for its medicinal properties. Used as an herbal tea, it's said to treat respiratory infections, sore throats, gout, flu, and fever.  I wonder if it has any effect on Covid-19?

Another snippet of information that is important today is that today, April 9, is Vimy Ridge Day.


The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Vimy Ridge Day:
“Today, we remember the thousands of Canadians who fought and gave their lives in the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
“The capture of Vimy Ridge was more than just a military victory – it was a turning point for our country. During the battle, soldiers from all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together for the first time. They came from coast to coast to coast – Francophones, Anglophones, new Canadians, and Indigenous peoples.
“On Easter Monday in 1917 – after carefully planning and preparing their attack – these Canadian soldiers battled uphill through sleet, mud, and machine gun fire to achieve one of the First World War’s most decisive victories. The innovative fighting techniques used by our soldiers at Vimy Ridge would also contribute to the final Allied victory a year and a half later.
“The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a defining moment for Canada, but it came at a great cost. Nearly 3,600 Canadians lost their lives, and over 7,000 more were wounded. It remains one of the bloodiest battles in our country’s military history.
“On this day, we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who fought at Vimy Ridge. Canadians remember who they were, what they stood for, and the history they defined. We also pay tribute to all our brave Canadians in uniform, past and present, for their unwavering dedication and service. Every day, they protect the fundamental values that define this country.
“Lest we forget.”

19 comments:

  1. Thank you for the history note. I knew vimy ridge was a terrible engagement, but didn't know its significance before. I learned something.

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    1. Vimy Ridge was a turning point for Canadian Forces in 1917.

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  2. Always nice to learn some history. Hard to believe you got some snow, it's probably gone by now. :)
    Take care, Happy Easter weekend and stay safe.

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    1. The snow in the picture disappeared yesterday. This morning we have a fresh batch!

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  3. I knew nothing about Vimy Ridge. Thanks for this snippet, which I may have to explore further.
    Stay safe, stay well.

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    1. There is a huge memorial to the Canadian Forces at Vimy Ridge in France.

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  4. Coltsfoot Tea! Sometimes those old herbal remedies actually do work, so who knows. Probably not much money in it though for the big drugs companies.
    That was an interesting history to read (I hadn't heard it before), but so sad that so many men died and were injured. War is a dreadful thing, and we should never forget those who have given their lives in the name of freedom for their country.

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    1. I haven't tried Coltsfoot tea.... I wonder what it tastes like?

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  5. Thank you for the reminder of Vimy.

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  6. My dear friend!
    Love the photo of the snow and the lovely and delicate flowers.
    You always took beautiful photos!

    I did not know the history about Vimy Ridge. Thanks for sharing.

    Stay safe and well my dear friend!
    Lots of hugs and much Love!

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    1. So good to hear from you Sonia! More snow on the ground this morning. I am hoping for some spring weather.

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  7. Hello Shammic,
    Ohh! Beautiful snow. When I see your snow,it is hard to believe that the corona virous is raging across the world.
    My English teacher from Vancouver had to give up returing his home town for his spring vacation. You know why.
    Thank you for showing your photo of the snow and little flowers.
    Stay safe.

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    1. Yes, all travel has stopped because of this virus. No planes in the sky, it is a very strange time. I loved your photos of Awaji Island, I would love to visit there! Best wishes to you and your family.... stay safe and stay well.

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  8. Lovely flowers...and I wonder how the tea is made. Probably the leaves, not the flowers. Though chamomile tea uses just flowers. Anyway, a big thanks for telling about Canadian forces in WW I. As I've heard the title of the battle, I never knew the details.

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  9. Snow in April is as strange as 37C in April Shammi.. and yet there are still so many that don't believe in climate change! Yes we must definitely not forget, during this crazy time, to remember and honour the lives lost in past wars ✨

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  10. I suppose the snow here was pretty but no one appreciated it. Fortunately, it din't linger. Today, Saturday, looks to be the nicest day for awhile.

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  11. Coltsfoot has been a lovely bright spot in often dismal weather. We also have yellow primula bursting forth in front of the house. We take our good cheer where we can get it!

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All comments welcome.... unless your name is Anonymous..