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The town of Cambridge has a major project in the works, specifically the replacement of a bridge.
Until construction began, I have to admit I didn’t even know there was a bridge in that location.
Heaven knows there is a need for refurbishment of the infrastructure and we saw evidence that it was happening last year.
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A lot of new construction also got underway. In the Clifton Park area, whole new complexes are going up but with things the way they are now, one wonders how far these projects will get and who will feel financially secure enough to purchase a new home.
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People may pretend that everything is fine, that products are available and prices have not increased, or that any set-back will be temporary.
Such people may be in for a shock.
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A need for a few inexpensive items the other day took us to Walmart, purveyor of all such things and there we found a very much reduced stock.
Normally, the aisles are crammed with all manner of choices.
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Later, I observed to Grant that the stock had seemed 50% less. In his opinion it, was more like 75%.
The shelves had been spaced out to make the scarcity less obvious, but that same day a news item mentioned the very subject of such shortages, which are inevitable given that most of the products are imported, largely from China.
This morning I had occasion to change a light bulb. It too had come from there, as many ordinary needs do.
Years ago, when so much of our manufacturing was farmed out to China, I didn’t think it was a good idea and maybe bringing it back is right, but it can’t happen quickly and I’m not convinced it will work well.
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One thing I am very certain of is that other countries are most unlikely to develop trade agreements with a nation whose leader changes his policies every day, while claiming that they have ripped us off in the past.
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Spring arrives despite it all.
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Another treasured friend returned.
The Eastern towhee.
Its colour scheme is very posh.
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And this morning: a mockingbird.
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An American robin pulled a fat worm from the muddy ground.
Our robins are very much larger than the little English variety, the only similarity being their red breast.
American robins are members of the thrush family whereas European robins are flycatchers.
American robins flock. Europeans are solitary.
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“American groundhogs are hungry!”
Some things are consistent.
Thank you, Carolyn, for your interesting post. I like all your wonderful photos of the wildlife, and your thoughts on life in your part of the country, including building the bridge.
Joanna
Thank goodness for some normality!
At least they never tire of the carrots and don’t mind eating the same thing every day. We have a ‘new’ Robin in the back garden. It’s tiny, and comes mainly to drink the water I put out for the birds.
Best wishes, Pete.
About all those homes. Never fear, the refugee state is in full swing. There is a newish suburb north of me where I take granddaughter to volleyball. It is mostly New New Delhi. In that area they are developing square miles of modern homes and multistory condos. I drove through it with a friend, and like you, I wondered aloud who might live there. He deadpanned “California.”