Author Archives: canoelover

It’s weird.  A large percentage of wildflowers and plants in Wisconsin are of the species canadensis or canadense.  Makes me think that Linnaeus was getting some Canadian nookie while he was churning out the names of classifications of things.  Like … Continue reading →

So we bought an old house ten years ago.  It has been uninhabited for a couple years, and before that a widow lived there alone for ten years.  In realtorspeak, there had been some deferred maintenance.  That’s what realtors say … Continue reading →

    I like good poetry.  Actually, I love good poetry. What I mean by that is that I like Wendell Berry.  And Robert Frost.  And Maya Angelou. Better yet, Baxter Black and Wally McRae.  Wordsmiths, of course.  They always use … Continue reading →

Wood Violets (Viola papilionacea) are considered weeds by some people.  Those people would be ill-bred, slack-jawed, boorish, hirsute yet prigish troglodytes who need everything just a certain way.  Their lawns look like golf courses and are just as toxic.  They … Continue reading →

Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) This morning I went to the Arb to take pictures of the Spring ephemerals.  Not too many up yet, I guess it’s shadier than our backyard.  Found a few Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) plants and a nice patch of … Continue reading →

ROCKS AND PINETREES SPEAK FOR US  Along with summer’s drum, we produce occasional thundershowers, wet and dry messages: We are not shy, We are so proud – We can make a wound in a pine tree and it bleeds sap, … Continue reading →

Voice:  “May I speak to Mr.  [Canoelover] please?” Me:  “Speaking.” Voice.  “Mr. Canoelover, my name is [Capitalist Dude], calling from [Capitalist Acquisition Group] of [Giant Capitalist Company.” Me:  “That’s nice.” Voice:  [pause].  “Er, we have been retained by an interested … Continue reading →

…but it is coming.  It’s inevitable. If you belong to a church or other similar organization, you know the danger of leaving your car unlocked in the parking lot in August.  You lower your guard for three minutes and some … Continue reading →

So today I got an email from a sales rep.  That is normal. What isn’t normal is that he wanted to send it to his boss, and he said some things about us that were none too friendly. How did … Continue reading →

Injury:  Having to buy a suit. Insult:  Getting ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ e-mails every 24-48 hours after having paid full price.  Jos. Banks, you really know how to hurt a guy.  I go 15 years without buying a suit … Continue reading →