The Southern Yarn August – September 2022

The latest version of The Southern Yarn is ready for you now, Check it out. And here is the editorial to get you started.

As I put this issue together, Folklorama is about to begin its 2-week run here in Winnipeg. Being the first time back, after COVID*, there are only 12 pavilions each week – about half of the usual number. Perhaps a post-COVID strategy on the part of the Folk Arts Council, or just a reality of the times – like our DUCW, members are few and sadly volunteers can no longer muster the oomph to plan and execute such a major undertaking. At least we have fond memories of our glory days. So we try to keep something of our history and culture alive as best we can – not least by this our Yarn. Read on and you will learn of a saint and a sinner, sand and scrabble, as well as more about Vegemite and cricket.

Birds I view, this month, focuses on another migratory winged creature – except that it is not a bird! There has been a scarcity of backyard birds around Winnipeg this summer, so I wasn’t getting much inspiration. Thankfully, we do have a couple of house wren families nesting in our yard – entertaining with their constant singing and insect control. Seeing one taking a moth to feed its egg-minding mate reminded me of a nature show about bogong moths (likely, Australia Remastered season 3 episode 1 with Aaron Pederson) and their importance to predators who rely on their showing up, on cue, in the Australian Alps each summer – just like Winnipeggers eagerly anticipate the arrival of monarch butterflies after their migration from Mexico each summer. It’s a marvel of nature how such creatures know to head to somewhere they have never been to before, let alone HOW to get there!

Thanks to Brian, Peter, Jenny, Judy, Chris, Ed, Malcolm, Ken, and especially our advertisers.

– Charlie

*Of course there is no such thing as “after COVID” – it is obviously sticking around.

 

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