July 22, 2020
Liz Writes Life
Back in April, I wrote about Britain’s Colonel Tom Moore, who
at age 99 decided to walk the circumference of his garden 100 times (using his
walker) with the goal of raising 1,000 pounds for the country’s National Health
Service charities during this covid-19 pandemic. His project was posted on
Twitter as Tom began his daily 10 laps. Donations poured-in and he completed
those laps. But the donations didn’t stop, so neither did Tom. People were
excited by his determination and tenacity. He was also applauded for his
service in the British Army during World War II. That was a while ago!
On April 30, 2020, Tom turned 100 and was heralded as Britain’s
newest sensation. He recorded a 1945 hit song with famous singer Michael Ball
and the NHS Voices of Care Choir. The song went viral on-line and Tom became
the oldest person to top the UK’s music chart. The song is named, “You’ll never
walk alone.”
Money continued to flow into the NHS charity account from well-over
a million donors and has topped more than 32 million pounds. Yep, that is
amazing. Then supporters began pushing for a knighthood for the centenarian. In
June, British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, submitted a special nomination to
Queen Elizabeth II asking for the extremely high honor.
So, Capt. Tom Moore, who was given the honorary title of
Captain on his birthday, received another honor last week. One that he likely
never dreamed he would receive, especially at the age of 100. He was knighted
by the Queen on the lawn at Windsor Castle – the first during this pandemic. Social
distancing was observed. And, I don’t think he was expected to kneel, although
he did bow a bit supported by his walker!
The Queen personally praised Sir Tom Moore thanking him for
“an amazing amount of money you raised.” He wore his World War II uniform and
his family was in attendance to celebrate the event.
Wow, what a great feel-good story. Just reminds us that good things
can happen at any time in our life!
Klamath dams
There is more good news, at least for those that want to save
the Klamath dams from destruction. Surprisingly, last week, the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission made a decision about the dams. The non-profit Klamath
River Renewal Corp. has been demanding the transfer of the hydro-electric power
license from PacifiCorp through FERC. In an unexpected move, FERC approved a
“partial transfer of the license for the Lower Klamath Project from PacifiCorp
(transferor) to the Renewal Corporation (transferee), contingent on PacifiCorp
remaining on as a co-licensee.” This is quote is directly from the July 16,
2020 FERC meeting.
FERC makes it clear that this order does not allow for the
removal of the four hydro-electric Klamath dams. Further, PacifiCorp must agree
to be a co-licensee with the non-profit KRRC. It was noted that KRRC does not
have experience in the demolition of dams.
Ultimately, it is the many unaddressed and unacknowledged
liabilities from dam destruction that is the real sticky wicket.
Our Congressman Doug LaMalfa has been pushing hard to save
the Klamath dams along with Siskiyou County and other groups in bringing
attention to the adverse environmental problems that will result from dam
destruction.
LaMalfa’s recent statement is straight forward. “The
commission’s order today reinforces what I have been saying since KRRC’s
inception: KRRC is incapable of handling any hydropower project. Rather, KRRC
is nothing more than a shell corporation created for California, Oregon and
other supporters of dam removal to avoid liability and leave local communities
to clean up the mess they would create.”
"This order clears the way to stop this terrible project
without wasting more of California taxpayer funds or Oregon ratepayer
dollars," LaMalfa continued. “PacifiCorp should instead pursue relicensing
of all four Klamath dams, ensuring the Basin continues to receive ample carbon
free, clean power for years to come.”
So, folks, there is hope!
Garden
A lot has happened in two weeks! The three zucchini plants are
huge and producing. Boy, am I going to be sorry growing three plants. Trying to
find takers of zucchini (in a month) will not be easy. Yep, I will likely have
to resort to leaving it in unlocked cars on Main Street. Beware!
Tall volunteer dill plants are ready for use in making
pickles and, finally, the cucumbers are spreading-out and have some blossoms –
as do the cantaloupes, although the plants are still small at about a foot
wide. The bell pepper plants are small, too, but the older red potato plants are
starting to die back and ready for eating.
Five staked tomato plants are huge with blossoms and some
green fruit. The sixth plant just stopped growing, so I pulled it out. The roots
looked OK. Don’t have the faintest idea why it was so puny.
The transplanted onions did really well and doubled in size.
I should have dug-up the garlic a week sooner, because some tops dried up so
much that they disintegrated and I don’t think I found all the bulbs. But,
ended-up with over 20 bulbs and some are quite large.
Summer flowers of giant Shasta daisy, red bee balm, tall
yellow yarrow and blooming pink, red and white hollyhocks are happy as long as
they get enough water. Oh my, the gladioli are gorgeous with yellow, lavender,
white and peach blooms. So, now to just keep everything well-watered in this
heat, yep, that’s the challenge.
Fire
Like many, I am sending love and blessings to the
firefighters and safety personnel working the Badger Fire and others. May homes
and Yreka be saved from destruction and all fires squashed as quickly as
possible.
Liz Bowen began writing ranch and farm news, published in
newspapers, in 1976. She is a native of Siskiyou County and lives near Callahan.
Columns from the past can be found at: lizwriteslife.blogspot.com. Call her at
530-467-3515.
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