Deleterious – definition: harmful : destructive
While manning our tables at Arts in the Plaza yesterday, I was pondering what to write about for this post when two widely differing situations occured.
The first was our display table nearly collapsing with a strong gust of wind. As the frame is a sturdy metal one, my friends and I were shocked that it could be damaged so easily. As the table in question was piled with books, we all leapt up to save the inevitable disaster. Under closer inspection we found that the bolt supporting the bracket was not as it appeared. There was actually no bolt just a nut on the bracket, which was glued to the table leg. What on earth? There is no way this method of construction is going to last. Do all engineered products have a ‘fail’ mechanism built into them? As you can imagine we were relieved that the novels from Dream Write Publishing were not damaged and that my fellow members of The Writers Foundation of Strathcona County were quick on their feet.
The second situation to come to my notice was a much more serious one. An out of control fire is spreading across land near Palm Springs. My immediate thought was for friends I have that live in the town. A quick email gave me reassurances that they were fine for the moment but that ash was falling over their home. I sincerely hope the fire can be controlled and that there is no lost of life.
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 