The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

^ Orono Weekly Times, Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 13 A Colony of Lady Bugs by Helen MacDonald I don't know the origins of the child's nursery rhyme-- Lady bug, lady bug, fly away home--but it's taken on an interesting meaning in our country home. For over ten years now, a colony, usually numbering about fifteen lady bugs, winters winters annually in my kitchen. During the day, they 'forage' for food and water. Each night, they cluster in the top comer of a south-facing window. window. While the activities of the colony tend to prevail in the kitchen (food and sunshine sunshine seemingly the main attractions) they occasionally occasionally stray from their colonial dominion; such sojourns resulting in some interesting encounters and rescue missions. missions. And so, all through the winter months, our daily movements through the house necessitate cautious deference to the tiny insects that bring colour and the promise of summer to short wintry days. For instance, it's not uncommon to suddenly experience the sudden landing landing of a lady bug in one's dinner, dinner, or the ticklish crawling of on of our house guests on an arm, a cheek or behind the neck. It takes practiced discipline to check the natural natural impulse to swat the creeping creature; still, there are occasions one hears the entreaties of a family member "Oh, I'm sorry lady bug,", after which there is an announcement: "Lady bug on the loos in the family room." Or worse, the echo of a moan after one of us innocently crushes an errant lady bug beneath a blind foot. One morning, laundry basket in hand, I gathered up some newspapers from the kitchen table, put them in the basket, and proceeded to take them downstairs-to the blue box which is situated situated in the laundry room. On my way down, I noticed two lady bugs crawling across the Iront page of The Star, and so ' back to the kitchen I went where I place the delicate creatures on the leaves of a spider plant set in a window. Several years ago, my mother was staying with my family while I was away on a research expedition. One evening, while settling down for dinner, something flew past her. She reached for the fly swatter but before she could complete the motion of her notorious quick-wristed whack, a chorus of distressed distressed voices screamed "No!" as two boys arid a grown man frantically reached for the weapon thus preventing her from executing the murderous murderous deed. "Don't kill the lady bug!" they told her. "This is her home." And she thought it was just a filthy fly wanting extermination from my oh- so-clean kitchen. I have become so committed committed to the survival of the colony of red beetles, that I have been know to 'feed' them. Christmas Eve we returned from the annual Christmas dinner with my family, dirty pots and trays needful of a wash. But it was late, so they were abandoned on the counter for the more pressing demands of sleep. Christmas morning, on surveying the work awaiting us in the kitchen, we discovered discovered half the lady bug colony scuriying across the fruit platter where they were feasting feasting on melon, cantaloupe, orange and pear nectar that must have been left on the , platter. And because we've grown very fond of the colony of insects that fly into one's face, or surprisingly land on a hand whilé talking on the phone, or which need rescuing rescuing from death by Swatting or disappearance into the recycling void, I set aside the platter. For three days, the colony of lady bugs feasted on the fruit nectar. And we thought it a nice thing to do, being the season of giving. After all, we receive from them the red splash of their bodies on dull winter days and the promise of summer. Places I've Done Time By Clifford Francis They ate like pigs I had tried raising cattle and had little or no luck at that venture. Goats and sheep had also been a complete flop. Someone made mention' that maybe I should try raising raising hogs. Pork was the meat of the future, they said. Soon there would be 'McPig' franchise's dotting ' the countryside, so hogs were the way to go. Small pigs were expensive to buy because everyone was getting into.the hog business at that time. Finally. I found some nice little pigs at the Lindsay Sales Arena. The Auctioneer said they weçe on the small side, but nice and growthy. They were cheap so 1 snapped them up. I was in the hog business, and just waiting for the money to star! rolling in. The months went by. The pigs ate and ate, but never seemed to grow much. One day I saw. my friend Earl at the Co-op, and so I told him about my pigs, and asked why they were not growing? Earl came over and with just one look at my pigs, spat . a stream of chewing tobacco and said, "someone sold you a bunch of runts! That bunch .of pigs aren't worth nothing," he said. He explained that sometimes sometimes farmers would cull out each litter and sell the small ones. I was the lucky buyer. Next I went and bought 40 eight-week old pigs. They were a bit pricey, but perfect. They ate and ate, and really grew, The more they grew and ate, the more manure they made. I spent every evening cleaning out the pens. It was hard work. Wouldn't you know it. When market time came, the price was way down, and I got nothing for my labour. By now I was looking for an easier way to make money. "Buy some sows and raise your own pigs," someone suggested. suggested. "Then sell them when ' they are eight weeks old." The search was on for some sows. I bought five at the Stouffville Sales Barn. They were already bred, and , ready lo Have lifters;; the. auc- ' tioneer said. The auctioneer auctioneer was wrong. Only one sow had any little little ones. She gave birth to three piglets, one she ate, and the other two she laid on. After a considerable wait for more piglets, I bought a boar, for breeding the sows. Months passed, then all of a sudden the piglets were coming. One sow had three, the next one had one, and one sow didn't have any. The sow that gave birth to three piglets the first time around, had four this time, and ate all four. Earl explained that farmers would take sows to the sales barn that were no good. Those were the pigs I had bought. I decided pig farming was not for me. I traded the four sows and the boar for ten gallons gallons of whiskey to a guy who had a still north of Pontypool. Winter came and it was wonderful. The .house was warm, the whiskey was good and I was dreaming of spring. I had a barnyard full of manure, and I was going into market gardening. |: . MARKETPLACE "Advertise Across Ontario or Across the Country" This may be the best opportunity al a price you can afford to own two new Harley Davidson motorcycles, Fa !boy Sofia il, Sportster .Hugger and custom trailer. Call 1-800-46M239 or Www azlec- nm.com, click on Boys & Girls Ciub. AUTO. FOR SALE CARS FROM $500. Government Seized and Surplus. All makes and models. Sold.locally, Call for information. Toll Free 1-688- 347-1900, Ext. 8585 FINANCIAL SERVICES IMMEDIATE CASH AVAILABLE for expansion, product launch, start-up, seasonal slumps. Turn your quality receivables into business business cash without disturbing existing banking arrangements. Quick cash for established businesses. Professional & Confidential. Confidential. LIQUID CAPITAL CORP. 1-877-228-0800. FOR SALE BUSINESS 0PPS A PERFECT PART-TIME BUSINESS! W.e require several motivated motivated people wanting to earn an'extra stream of income. Call 1- 800-233-2895/e-mail gloria@hfx.'eastlink.ca WE HAVE TWINNED 241 PIZZA® & MRS. POWELL'S Cinnamon Cinnamon Rolls'" under one roof and the results have been incredible. To learn more about our Small-Town strategy and how you can be part .of it. cal! TOLL FREE 1 -377-241 -0-241. www.aftonfood.com #1 HOME BASED TRAVEL AGENCY. Operate a full service travel travel agency from the comfort of your own home. Full training & support. support. Turnkey as little as $8,900. 1-800-799-9910. Website: 'www.tpi.ca Travel Professionals international. BOX OFFICE MOVIES FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY. Nominated for BEST new video store concept in Canada, Director of franchising: franchising: Mr. Hickey 1-800-324-5282. "Not Just a.Video Store". . CANADIAN HOME-BASED TRAVEL BUSINESS. Turn-key operation. operation. 100% daily support. Earn while you learn. CÂLL 1-800- 561-9999 for info-pack. Ontario license #2122091. WEB: www.travelsource-nelwork.com CANDLE AND FRAGRANCE Manufacturer seeks sales associates. associates. For further information, fax Kim Novak 780-486-9617 or e- mail arabella@plan et.eôn/net. View product at www.canadashop.com/arabella/. MICROFIBER CLEANING CLOTHS. If you are aggressive, sales minded and have an entrepreneurial spirit we want you. Top producers producers already earning substantial $$/month. Don't waste time call now! 1-888-233-5239. Agency of the future -THE TRAVEL EDGE! Turn your passion for travel into a profitable business. Training, technology, marketing systems, .Personalized internet site & exceptional suppo/t, let you build A successful home business based on personal service. Tax deductible investment, financing available. 416-535-9908 or 1- 800^.419-4435. www.traveledgebiz.com SUBSTANTIAL $$ or more per month. Canada's fastest growing concept in this billion dollar industry will be opening stores in your area. $124,000 Turn-key, Toll-free 1-888-526-3388. COLLECT CASH! Coke, Pepsi, Frito Lay, Mars. Re-fill unique vendors in your area. F/T, PIT. No selling. Min. investment $13,986. Call 1-888-840-5964 (24hrs) Member of B.B.B. and 0&B. CAREER LEARN AUCTIONEERING. Classes held- April 1-7, 2000, For information contact: Southwestern Ontario School of Auctioneering, Auctioneering, R.R, #5, Woodstock, Ontarjp N4S 7V9.1-888-673-6999. FREE 128 page "Career Opportunities" Guide shows you how lo train at home for top paying jobs. Earn More. CALL GRANTON INSTITUTE today at 1-800-361-1971 for your free guide. CAREER TRAINING Exciting well paid careers in computer programming. We will prepare prepare suitable applicants, Ministry of»Educalion Registered Home Study Diploma Program. Financial assistance, loaner computer systems and job placement toollavailable. No experience necessary. necessary. 1-800-477-9578 www.cmstraining.com EDUCATIONAL OPPS BF A SUCCESSFUL WRITER:- r-with-mR great, fiame-study 'course. Call-today for ÿ6ur ';FR£-È : BÔÔK. 'T-8;0.0-i67-1;829;'Tfie Writing School, 38 McArthur Avenue, Suite 3367, Ottawa, ON K1L6R2. COUNSELLOR TRAINING INSTITUTE. Work as an Admission Advisor in your area while enrolled in correspondence courses for .the Certificate of Counselling Science. Free Catalogue 1-800- 665-7044. LEARN ALL DANCES EASILY. First video cassette FREE; social, country, folklore, "salsa", lap-dance, mambo, tango, merengue, reggae, swing; Waftz, lambada, rock, cha-cha ole. Order www,canad-a-merica.com EMPLOYMENT OPPS• LAKE LOUISE INN is seeking an experienced individual for the position of Assistant Executive Housekeeper, Please forward resume to: Rachelie Kehler, P.6, Box 209, Lake Louise, AB. T0L 1E0 or fax 403-522-2960,. SAWMILL $4895 SAW LOGS INTO BOARDS, planks, beams. • Large capacity. Best sawmill value anywhere. Norwood Industries, Industries, manufacturer of sawmills, edgers & skidders. Free information information 1 -800-566-6899. . WHY RENT-TO-OWN A 27" TV FOR $110/MTH? You can get a Stereo System or Camcorder PLUS a 27'TV & Computer ALL for only $99.00/mth! 1-800-267-9466. Free Delivery! BUY QUALITY VITAMINS and herbal suppléments direct No middlemen. Wholesale factory prices. Guaranteed home delivery. Call today for your free full colour catalogue. Toll free t-877-900- 4372. -IfSli WÊaÿBIfMti ARNOLD BROS. TRANSPORT LTD. Presents G real Opportunities Opportunities in the year 2000 for Company Drivers, single & team .(team schedules available). Owner Operators, single & team (check oui our great fuel prices). Dry Van-Open Deck-Reefer 1 year min. OTR exp. - good abstract - U.S. ability. Join our team! 1 -800-567- 3656. SALES HELP WANTED $$CHOCOLATES$$ Attention students. Make lots of money selling chocolate bars. New products available, fast delivery. Fund Raising available. Call now 1-800-383-3589 PLEASE MUM, the leader in providing quality, yet affordable children's children's and ladies' clothing through home presentations has opportunities opportunities available. Earn 40% commission selling kids wear, ladies wear or both. Call today for a free catalogue and business package package 1-800-665-9644. z OUT OF T ONTARIO PROPERTIES TO BE SOLD for unpaid taxes. Write: Dept. CN, Box 5380, Sin. F, Ottawa, K2C 3J1 or Visit: Www.laxsaleproperties.com. CANADA'S #1 PSYCHICS ...know your future in 2000. Love, health, career and money. Accurate and Affordable readings. CALL NOW 1-900-451-7070 $2.89/minute 18+, PERSONALS ADULT ENTERTAINMENT. Order the best videos by mail and pay less. FREE Video Offer! FREE Catalogue. Discreet. HMC Video 5288 Parc, 1Û1-C, Montreal. Quebec, H2V 4G7. ASHGROVE CHRISTIAN, SINGLES, www, hunfsdsh g rove. com Correspond/email unattached Christians, 18-85, Single/Wid- o Wed/D ivorced. Worldwide. Com pa n ion ship/M am age. Free info: 1-250-679-3542, vm: 250-679-3543, fax:250-679-4416. Ashgrove, Box 205, Chase, B.C., V0E 1M0, , . ft ■ STEEL BUILDINGS NEW STEEL BUILDINGS...,Go Direct and Save. 4:12 roof pitch. 25 x 30 $3,900.00. 25 x 40 $4,900.00, 30 x 40 $6,500.00. 35 x 50 $7,600.00. 40 x 60 $10,800.00. 45 x 80 $18,400.00. Others. Pioneer.,,,1-800-668-5422. Pioneer.,,,1-800-668-5422. FUTURE STEEL BUILDINGS. Durable, Dependable, Pre-Engi- neered. All-Steel Slrucllires. Custom-made to suit your needs and requirements. Factory-Direct, affordable prices, Call 1-800-668- 5111, ext. 536 for free brochure. VACATION TRAVEL TIMESHARE RESALES. To buy, sell or rent worldwide, World's Largest Reseller. ERA STROMAN SINGE .1979. Buyers call 1-, 800-613-7987. Sellers call 1 -800-201 -0864. Internal www.stro- BUYING STERLING SILVER CUTLERY, sets or single pieces, silver teasels, napkin rings, moorcrofl, Gouda, jewellery, figurines and porcelain, silver plate. For private appointment 1-800-267- 2732, 514-684-3528. WANTED Hardwood Veneer Logs. U,S. Dollars, Call for a quote. 1-888-595-7154. ; It's: Affordable - It's Fast -It's Easy ■ One Bill Does It All : aMorthsm1Qnïariô:$ZS£Easiérn10ntario '$140 Y •rWesiern$QntamSlWy : Çén(§rOnmo4136a AfënïariG$39S • n,i< Mv.i [ai:*,. • C.,l p- 1 !,f:r Call me to buy or sell... Orono and area's real estate representative... Krysfyna Jones 983-6013 Realty-Net ASSOCIATES " (DURHAM)lnc. 10S0 Simcoe St. N., #103, Oshawa TEL: (905) 721-2112 2 a * New Listing... Brick htimmLrfmnn deep gas heav room. $135,500 Sold in 7 days for 99.6% of asking price!