Remembrance Day

As I have no pictures of Truro or Middleton (home town) on Remembrance Day, let this poppy symbolize our remembrance.

The Colchester Historical Museum has a display of wartime Truro. I have memories from wartime Middleton: the blackout curtains, rationing, an expanding Greenwood, training flights, military convoys and exercises, losses at home and overseas, British airmen staying with my grandparents, the return of the veterans. I was one of a privileged generation who benefited greatly from the service and sacrifice of the veterans and the Canada that emerged after the was. I am greatful.

Will R. Bird

One of Nova Scotia's early historical novelists and travel writers was Will R. Bird from Mappleton, Cumberland county.

His novels don't get much play now, but he and Tom Raddall did much to celebrate the history of our province.

I did this caricature in 1983. The bristol board is fading somewhat, but by copying grayscale I seem to have cut-out a yellowish tinge.

Has it been that long ?

While thinking that I needed a new blog picture, I spotted this 1997 Yearbook in the shelves above me. On opening it, I spotted this page that seemed to say and summarize so much. Kathy VanZoost and Nikki Payne and their staffr did a great job on this, the final NSTC yearbook.

Can it be that long ago ? Twelve years. Of course, I've been retired fourteen years.

Those uniforms will bring back a lot of memories, not only for those who played on NSTC teams but for those who urged them on from the stands or on the sidelines.

1854-1997 It was the end of an era, but the memories will live on, and the success of its program continues in the classrooms of Nova Scotia and beyond.

Branch #26 Building Drive

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #26 has established a foundation and initated a Building Drive to build a new single level building. The old one, established in 1952, has served well but needs to be replaced. Above is an architect's sketch of the new building. Watch for particulars and Get involved.

Tassel at Graduation time

I've been busy with a newsletter and some other things. Found this cartoon on the computer; it was part of a drawing that decorated my bulletin board at Graduation Time.

It was a great time. People graduating, meeting parents, hearing about jobs, ... and it seldom rained.

There were tears too - friends leaving friends. But friends in education were able to keep in touch.

I guess the colours have faded and that's why the white background scans in as beige.

Cheers, Neil

Industrial Arts / Technology

For many years, when someone retired, Eric Bent and I had a little skit or presentation at a faculty do; sometimes they involved overheads and cartoons. This was the concluding cartoon at Ross Allan's retirement. Drawing caricatures is not easy and not always successful, and to think I had the nerve to tackle the whole department. Looking back at the caricatures now, I'm pleased; they weren't bad, and I recognize them all - and that was done twenty years ago. (PS - If you click on the drawing, it will enlarge.) Here's to technology!

Tassel Cartoons (from the past)

Left: I wonder if too much coffee is grounds for dismissal.

Right: Do they arrange these chairs to

to promote discussion or to frustrate me!