Baldwin's Birds

that's what life is all about, isn't it!?

With having fairly large windows in our living room, we get to see more than just the immediate garden birds! Recently, we have been treated to the sight of a flock of Turkey Vultures, who rise above the tree-line to the southeast of us and soar round and around until they disappear from sight. This tends to happen later in the day, but is still quite the display. Sometimes their presence is accompanied by some flocks of Canada Geese, who are either leaving or dropping into the creek in that same direction.

The Bluebirds are back!

Hoping that this fine sunny day finds you in a lot happier situation than a lot of you were in a few days ago, and not still now, as a few of my friends are, still having to fight the good fight against the horrible water damage done in their houses. Every one of you has my deepest sympathy, if you are still in this situation. Good luck!

Our avian friends are, no doubt, as relieved as we are to be back into more acceptable weather conditions, as spring slowly dries out all their feeding grounds and makes them think of building either new nests, or refurbishing some used last year. Robins are hopping across the lawn, stopping now and again to listen for the slightest hint of grubs being just under the surface for them to get and eat. Other birds are now very evident such as the Cowbirds, the male of the species strutting about impressively with wing feathers raised as a display, for the females who are supposed to be impressed! The female Rock Pigeons are supposed to be impressed too by the puffed up and strutting males, in their clan, as they try to woo them. Many of the other birds don't just have food on their minds either, when they make their approaches to a female of the same breed as themselves, but then again,

Tid bit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW

Have you ever commandeered or been commandeered? Usually, the first reflection is on pirate ships commandeering the merchant ships on the high seas. However, commandeering is still occurring today in many facets of life. Those being commandeered may or may not know they are in a submissive situation, either by acting subconsciously or simply by feeling helpless to change the dynamics.

Some cults operate totally by making the "members" adhere to strict, unexplained behavior, thoughts or beliefs. One always needs to know the "why" of actions and beliefs to make an informed decision. Following on blind commands breeds co-dependency and feelings of insecurity. If your con-

Fish Oil: Superhero of Supplements

role of the digestive system is to capture them for use as energy.

Today, our special bird treat is that of seeing our first Bluebirds of the year. Yes! They are back in their beautiful bright blue suits with red bibs and white lower chest colors all shown off to perfection in the brilliant sunlight. Great! They are not the only ones who show up better in the sun than some of the darker birds, but the male Goldfinches are rapidly changing into their brilliant yellow plumage as well. If you have had some of them with you all winter in their duller coats, start looking now and watch the transformation almost happening before your eyes and enjoy. Look after yourselves and stay safe. Cheers,

John Baldwin

You may be forgiven if you are unfamiliar with Aquaman, a superhero who breathes underwater, communicates with sea creatures, and possesses superhuman strength and agility. But revisit past columns if you haven’t learned that fish are the real superheroes. Why? Because when mere mortals consume fish, their bodies gain extraordinary powers to fight the arch-nemesis of illness.

Studies have repeatedly shown that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have remarkable health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, improving cognitive function, and reducing inflammation throughout the body.

To gain these benefits, eating enough fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel, isn’t easy, especially with high food prices. For a fraction of the cost, fish oil supplements are a nobrainer.

ing to the release of gas, which causes burping.

For those who are affected by burping, taking fish oil supplements can be a real problem. Not only is the burping unpleasant and embarrassing, but it can dissuade people from taking fish oil altogether, leaving them without the health benefits.

The likelihood of experiencing burping or other gastrointestinal side effects may also depend on the dose and formulation of the supplement being used.

But our bodies contain a lot of water, and these oily triglycerides therefore can pass right through the body’s digestive system and out the other end, all benefits missed. The purpose of using enzymes is to convert the fats from a triglyceride to a monoglyceride. Monoglycerides are the form of fat that our body must convert fish oils into, so having it pre-digested into a monoglyceride makes it easier for our system to absorb, and thus less burping.

nections dictate how, where and when in all fields or your life, one needs to take stock of the fundamental core beliefs. Unfortunately, some domains include religious or political foundations. The likes of kidnappings/concentration camps or any form of isolation by enforcement, breeds helplessness through abuse and deprivation. Some relationships operate on the same premise.

Even today, some people commandeer other people's children to fulfil their own insecurities and their need to continue a phantom world. The parent who has a deceased child or severely handicapped child may try to compensate for their perceived "void" by "taking over" the assumed parenting of a child/teen/young adult they perceive as vulnerable. Money does talk, so they offer the less fortunate child every opportunity, rather than nurturing independence. This then fosters a type of hero worship in return by the child. That co-dependency pattern is difficult to break. After all, if every wish is granted, who would want to walk the path of earning? This is unhealthy and detrimental in the long run.

You can't change someone else's behaviour: just your own. Try your best to communicate your concerns with an "I feel..." statement. Recognize your own self worth and be cognizant of your own thoughts and behaviors. If you are being commandeered by someone – reach out for help to break the cycle. You are special and worth-while just because you exist!!!

What’s preventing some people from taking this superhero of supplements?

Some people suffer from "fish burps". It’s what happens when your digestive system lets out a little aquatic airfare, and a pungent reminder of your fish oil supplement.

The prevalence of burping or other gastrointestinal side effects when taking omega-3 fish oil supplements can vary depending on the individual. Some studies report that 30% of individuals may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as burping, heartburn, or diarrhea. Most people experience no effects at all.

Why do people burp from fish oil? The main reason is that fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be difficult for the body to digest, lead-

And that’s where there is a good solution to the burping problem. Look for a fish oil supplement that offers a form more readily accepted by the stomach. One example to be found at health food stores is Certified Naturals Omega3X fish oil containing MaxSimil, which is pre-digested with enzymes, leading to better absorption and making it much less likely to cause burps.

To explain, omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that are often found in the form of triglycerides. Triglycerides are the main form of fat in the human body and in the food we eat. They consist of a glycerol molecule and three fatty acids. In consuming omega-3 fatty acids, the

In another approach to reduce burping, some supplements involve gelcaps that are enteric-coated for delayed release, but these can contain undesirable plasticizers.

For some, no matter how good the supplement, burping can remain a problem. Try refrigerating the capsules and taking them with food. Remember, accepting a little burp is better than forgoing the benefits. If persistent or severe burping persists, talk to your healthcare provider, as these symptoms may indicate an underlying health condition or allergy.

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KEMPTVILLE ROTARY BURSARY ANNOUNCEMENT (Apply by June 1)

Up to FOUR awards ($1000 each) will be presented annually to students who are graduating from any High School in North Grenville or who reside in North Grenville but are graduating from any alternative program (i.e.- T.R. Leger, Home Schooling or Distance Learning). For full information and how to apply, go to:

Student Bursaries Available | Rotary Club of Kemptville (kemptvillerotary.ca)

Op-ed Positively 4th Street

by Peter Johnson

My parents had the bad luck of being born in 1921. They experienced, firsthand, the 20's and the dirty 30's. My brothers and I had a much better childhood than they. The eldest was born during the war, my younger brother and I, a few years after it. My mother's version of ‘Planned Parenthood': put five years between each child. That way, each of us got her undivided attention until it was time to get swallowed up by the very strict, extremely regimented Ottawa Board of Education.

Both my mother's and my father's parents came to Canada from other countries: my parental grandparents from Norway, my maternal grandparents from Scotland, via Ireland. Both of these generations knew hardships - hardships far beyond anything that my brothers and I ever experienced. My Norwegian grandfather, Rikard, at the tender age of 15, headed north to the Arctic Circle and worked in a gold mine. 15! He saved enough money to book passage to Canada: not the United StatesCanada.

A characteristic of many Norwegians, most Highland Scots, and the tide of Irish immigrants to this country, when faced with adversity, was to put their heads down and plow ahead. Complaining was not in their nature, as a rule. That was viewed as a character flaw, or a weakness. They most certainly never bleated,‘That offends me'.

Back to 1921: people born in that year reached the age of majority in 1939. In September of that year, Canada de- clared war on Germany after it had invaded Poland. My father no sooner graduated from Ottawa Tech, than he took the train to Toronto and enlisted in the RCAF. He was all of 18. I found a letter he wrote to my mother on very old RCAF stationary. He didn't think he was doing anything heroic; he was just doing what he thought he had to do.

The basketball team at his high school, which graduated the year before, signed up together, were tail-gunners in RAF bombers, and were all dead before the year was out. (check out ‘The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner', by W.H. Auden for a grissly bit of poetry).

It was a very different time. We can read about it, but only they knew the horror of what life was like for them... and they had barely reached voting age. There was no bragging, no horror stories, only silence as those who returned kept their awful memories to themselves. Most impressively, there was no whining, no complaining about how life had treated them so poorly. It is quite a contrast to what we are seeing today.

Fast forward to the present. It must be very confusing for the people who came here from Ukraine to see what little things can upset some Canadians. Another story: when I was teaching in Merrickville, a brother and sister showed up in my class one Monday morning. Their family had fled communist Poland. Their parents, both university professors, were targeted by the regime. They fled with their children to the safety of Canada. The younger sibling, an extremely bright young girl of about 12 or 13 years, told me a story, once she had developed some impressive English skills.

In her school in Poland, a large middleschool, the students had an expression that they used to describe a very good day for them: "Like a day in Canada". That stopped me in my tracks. To this day, more than 40 years later, I can visualize her telling me this. In other countries around the world, Canada is looked upon as a safe haven, a sort of 'paradise'. A place where every day must surely be simply wonderful.

Back to the Ukrainians who have found refuge here: they must find it strange that we can get all worked up over the smallest things; getting angry because one has perceived that they have been slighted. Why bother? How much is your time worth to you? Do you not have better things to do with your time and creativity/productivity? Is that all that you have to contribute to society... to your community?

We have so much to be thankful for...but that sounds trite. In 'Positively 4th Street', Bob Dylan summed it up this way:

"I wish that for just one time you could stand inside my shoes

And just for that one moment I could be you

Yes, I wish that for just one time you could stand inside my shoes

You'd know what a drag it is to see you."

We don't want to be that person, do we?

Next Curbside order May 4 & 5

Please Preorder the day before or sooner for next day Curbside pick up 2 - 5pm. For Full Menu, to Order & Pay ONLINE visit www.cateredaffairs.ca 613-324-3136

$44.95 Complete Meal for 2 + HST $89.95 Complete Meal for 4 + HST

All Family meals are picked up cold. Included are Chef's choice of Soup or Salad or Appetizer, Appropriate Side Dishes & Dessert and gentle heating instructions.

Chicken Parmesan or Eggplant Parmesan

Crisp Breaded Chicken Cutlets or Eggplant with Parmesan, Mozzarella & Marinara Sauce|

Creamy Pasta Alfredo | Chef's choice of veggies | Caesar Salad | Garlic Bread | Dessert

Baja Fish Tacos or Tofu Tacos (Vegetarian)

Battered Fish or Tofu | Flour Tortillas | Pickled Red Onions & Jalapenos

| Cabbage Slaw | Smoky Chipotle aioli | Lime Wedges | Dirty Rice | Cheese | Pico de Gallo | Taco Salad Kit | Dessert

Mother’s Day

Brunch

treat mom to a fantastic feast

Sunday, May 14, 2023, 9:00am - 1:00pm

RSVP 613-324-3136 or info@cateredaffirs.ca

-Beef carving station - Eggs Benedict - Salmon Wellington - Applewood

Smoked Bacon- Sausages- -Scrambled Eggs - Petite Quiches & Savory

Pies -Tofu scramble - Home fries - Soups - Selection of Salads - Grilled

Halloumi and Vegetables - Cheese and Charcuterie Boards - Mac and Cheese - Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots- Waffle station with Maple Butter Board - Fresh fruit

- selection of House Made Breakfast Sweets & DessertsCoffee, Tea, and Juice included -Mimosas, House Concocted Cocktails & Specialty Coffees $12 each $44.95 per person, plus tax & grat $15.00 for children 10 yrs. and under ; 2 yrs and under are free. A gratuity of 18% will be added to groups of 6 or more

RSVP: 613-324-3136 info@cateredaffairs.ca www.cateredaffairs.ca

820 Heritage Dr. Kemptville Campus, Kemptville, ON, K0G 1J0