Theresa and I are about to embark on another adventure. We are moving to a home that will enable us to live on one floor and avoid the many stairs that get us from one place to another in our present home. We love our place here and have developed a friendly relationship with all of our neighbors
We never thought that stairs would be an issue when we bought this home and added another sun room even higher but time and arthritis has a way of teaching us a lesson. It becomes a challenge to climb up those stairs dozens of times a day. We became spoiled when we lived in Florida half of the time and we lived on one floor. Most homes in Florida have one floor and basements are rare.
We look forward to our new house which will become a home when we move in and meet our neighbors. It will not be long before we forge new friends and move onward. There will always be that wonderful feelings when we return to our present neighborhood but it will not be home but a place where we lived and experienced the very best life among people with whom we shared 16 years of our life.
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Saturday, January 31, 2015
Democracy Has a Chance at Parliament in Ottawa
Every member of parliament in Ottawa has the desire to keep all Canadians safe from harm in these trying days. We find that we are under attack because of the actions of this prime minister and the conservative government. When we became an aggressive combat force instead of a peace keeping force we became enemies of Isis.
Parliament is now going to craft legislation to aid our law enforcement units to become better equipped to deal with the threat that could come from abroad or within our own country. Since all members of parliament have the same objective there should not be a party taking the political route and becoming the party who protects Canada. There should be an all party , joint committee drafting up the legislation and bringing it to the floor of the house with hopefully unanimous agreement.
The government plans to make this legislation a main plank for the upcoming election instead of providing leadership to draft a good, solid bill that will satisfy and represent 100% of Canadians instead of the thirty plus % of the Conservatives.This is important as there are some concerns that the free wheeling protection at all costs may indeed take away some vital personal freedoms that are dear to most Canadians.
We saw in the g20 fiasco in Toronto that without civilian oversight that the police cannot be trusted on their own to make decisions that take away our freedoms under the charter of rights. This legislation is indeed important and must be passed after serious study so there can be a balance between safety and rights.
Once rights are trampled by fearful people who see the enemy everywhere we bring ourselves to a situation that the USA found itself in back some time ago with the McCarthy witch hunt when he saw a communist under every American bed.
Lets get this legislation completed in a Canadian manner with peoples rights protected along with the protection of its citizens. AMEN
Parliament is now going to craft legislation to aid our law enforcement units to become better equipped to deal with the threat that could come from abroad or within our own country. Since all members of parliament have the same objective there should not be a party taking the political route and becoming the party who protects Canada. There should be an all party , joint committee drafting up the legislation and bringing it to the floor of the house with hopefully unanimous agreement.
The government plans to make this legislation a main plank for the upcoming election instead of providing leadership to draft a good, solid bill that will satisfy and represent 100% of Canadians instead of the thirty plus % of the Conservatives.This is important as there are some concerns that the free wheeling protection at all costs may indeed take away some vital personal freedoms that are dear to most Canadians.
We saw in the g20 fiasco in Toronto that without civilian oversight that the police cannot be trusted on their own to make decisions that take away our freedoms under the charter of rights. This legislation is indeed important and must be passed after serious study so there can be a balance between safety and rights.
Once rights are trampled by fearful people who see the enemy everywhere we bring ourselves to a situation that the USA found itself in back some time ago with the McCarthy witch hunt when he saw a communist under every American bed.
Lets get this legislation completed in a Canadian manner with peoples rights protected along with the protection of its citizens. AMEN
Monday, January 26, 2015
First Snow of 2015
We awoke today with a beautiful snowfall. It is still snowing and the amount is growing rapidly. This event is caused when we have very cold temperatures on land and wind blowing over the relatively wormer open water of Lake Ontario. When the moisture laden wind reaches the shore we get lake effect snow. It is very local and can continue as long as the wind does not change direction.
We have had our last snowfall before Christmas and it looks great and feels like we live in Canada. It has been a common thing for this area to have little or no snow some winters. People really enjoy the snow even if it makes travelling difficult and causes us to do a little work clearing our driveways. Personally I believe it is essential for the land to have a covering of snow to protect the vegetation from winter kill. Everything looks better during the cold months to have a clean coating of snow covering the bare ground.
We have had our last snowfall before Christmas and it looks great and feels like we live in Canada. It has been a common thing for this area to have little or no snow some winters. People really enjoy the snow even if it makes travelling difficult and causes us to do a little work clearing our driveways. Personally I believe it is essential for the land to have a covering of snow to protect the vegetation from winter kill. Everything looks better during the cold months to have a clean coating of snow covering the bare ground.
Hypropsy
I have written many times of the double standard we follow in our foreign policy.We have this week sent our top people to Saudi Arabia to help mourn the death of a king which has such a terrible record when it comes to human rights. Women have little or no rights and the family which rules the country have been behind much of the terrorist actions throughout the middle east. The country does have 40% of the known oil reserves in the world.
We now have shown the world that oil does matter and the western world looks kindly on countries which possess wealth. This kingdom has many princes who are very, very rich and support many of the rogue groups which have destabilized the area. At the 9/11 tragedy there were more than three quarter of men involved from Saudi Arabia. Princes were known to support groups throughout the middle east and traces of economic involvement were proven but still the west looks the other way.
In Canada we educate thousands of young people from that kingdom and there is a demand for their wealth even in the educational system. It would be appropriate for a country like Canada to stand up to these rogue nations and demand a better democratic government and better human rights if they wish to deal with our country.
Perhaps it is because the present government in Ottawa has little regard for the democratic process and tolerate the short comings of the countries they deal with.
We now have shown the world that oil does matter and the western world looks kindly on countries which possess wealth. This kingdom has many princes who are very, very rich and support many of the rogue groups which have destabilized the area. At the 9/11 tragedy there were more than three quarter of men involved from Saudi Arabia. Princes were known to support groups throughout the middle east and traces of economic involvement were proven but still the west looks the other way.
In Canada we educate thousands of young people from that kingdom and there is a demand for their wealth even in the educational system. It would be appropriate for a country like Canada to stand up to these rogue nations and demand a better democratic government and better human rights if they wish to deal with our country.
Perhaps it is because the present government in Ottawa has little regard for the democratic process and tolerate the short comings of the countries they deal with.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Happy Memory From 1940
1940 was a time when most of Europe and the British Empire were waging war. I was four years old and unaware that terrible things were happening in Europe. My mother was nervous every time she listened to the radio broadcasts as many of her family were involved in the war effort. The news from the war were not good and many people were receiving stories of the death of family and friends. My Mom did a great job in shielding us from the worst of it. My father volunteered to go with the other men from Cape Breton even thought he was older and had a family of six.
The good news was that Dad had to return home as he had an injury to his knee and in the army you had to be perfectly fit. He came home and we were all happy to see him free from the possibility of having to go overseas. It took Dad a while to get over the shock but he settled down and worked the rest of the war in the coal mine.
My memory was a happy one as we had our Dad back and he was a busy person. Being able bodied and handy he was in great demand in the community doing odd jobs as well as mining underground. Some of the fondest times I remember was just following Dad around and in trying to help probably got in the way as any four year old would. Dad had a knack of being able to do almost anything. He took a section of a tree and carved the body of a rocking horse. He carved the head and covered the wood with a fur coat. It looked almost real.
For rockers Dad took sections of the cart wheel and made a perfect smooth rockers for our horse. I called him pony but we all had a name for this beautiful toy. Jean and I had the most fun but the neighbours kids had turns as well. I remember this event as I had a birthday at that time and can recall just how happy I was way back in 1940
The good news was that Dad had to return home as he had an injury to his knee and in the army you had to be perfectly fit. He came home and we were all happy to see him free from the possibility of having to go overseas. It took Dad a while to get over the shock but he settled down and worked the rest of the war in the coal mine.
My memory was a happy one as we had our Dad back and he was a busy person. Being able bodied and handy he was in great demand in the community doing odd jobs as well as mining underground. Some of the fondest times I remember was just following Dad around and in trying to help probably got in the way as any four year old would. Dad had a knack of being able to do almost anything. He took a section of a tree and carved the body of a rocking horse. He carved the head and covered the wood with a fur coat. It looked almost real.
For rockers Dad took sections of the cart wheel and made a perfect smooth rockers for our horse. I called him pony but we all had a name for this beautiful toy. Jean and I had the most fun but the neighbours kids had turns as well. I remember this event as I had a birthday at that time and can recall just how happy I was way back in 1940
Return To Democracy 2015
This year Canada has an opportunity to return our country to a democratic society. Never has Canada had a government which at every turn denied the democratic process to achieve their conservative ideology The common idea from most people in Canada is that we have a party of one meaning that every decision that passes through the house of commons has the Harper stamp of approval.
Decisions are made on ideological grounds and not based on science and facts. I could list numerous decisions t5hat were made contrary to facts and any organization, department or person calling out will soon disappear out of the process. Our scientists who have for years given us information and research that could aid the government in making intelligent decisions were silenced and we will suffer because of this .
For nearly ten years we have seen the tearing away our Canadian institutions which gave protection to our citizens and replaced by shallow short term decisions to keep power in the hands of the government. This year we must evaluate the actions of this prime minister because he is the present government and decide if we can afford to have four more years of this undemocratic dictator.
The oil economy which built this government to the neglect of other manufacturing and green industries will cause our country to rethink it's future. Canada is much more than a oil power and we must recognize the diversity of this country an stimulate all aspects of its strength. To do this we must return the government to a democratic commons and gain the power that will come when all elected people have a voice. This will once again give way to decisions that mirror the collective will of the people.
Decisions are made on ideological grounds and not based on science and facts. I could list numerous decisions t5hat were made contrary to facts and any organization, department or person calling out will soon disappear out of the process. Our scientists who have for years given us information and research that could aid the government in making intelligent decisions were silenced and we will suffer because of this .
For nearly ten years we have seen the tearing away our Canadian institutions which gave protection to our citizens and replaced by shallow short term decisions to keep power in the hands of the government. This year we must evaluate the actions of this prime minister because he is the present government and decide if we can afford to have four more years of this undemocratic dictator.
The oil economy which built this government to the neglect of other manufacturing and green industries will cause our country to rethink it's future. Canada is much more than a oil power and we must recognize the diversity of this country an stimulate all aspects of its strength. To do this we must return the government to a democratic commons and gain the power that will come when all elected people have a voice. This will once again give way to decisions that mirror the collective will of the people.
Money and Oil Cause a Double Standard on the World Stage
Never in our history has there been such a divide in the ethical world standards caused by greed and country interests. Wherever countries have a economic interest there is a increased interest in protecting those assets. Saudi Arabia is a good case in point. A few families control the country and have terrible record on human rights. Freedom is only a word used to describe the way of life of the controlling families. Every day we hear of ordinary citizens being denied ordinary rights but the big powers who need their oil just turn a blind eye.
In Africa the largest country Nigeria has more people being held in bondage, murdered and enslaved than we can imagine but because we do not have a economic interest we do nothing. We have stood back and witnessed tragic events happening in many countries in Africa and do little to correct the situation. I wonder what would happen if this was to take place in a white environment where we had an economic interest?
We now find ourselves singled out by ISIS because of our involvement in Iraq and Syria and fear reprisals. Had we taken the proper actions and been a peacekeeper rather than a bomber this would probably not happen. There is so much misery spread around the world that our policies have to have a long range plan. ISIS was centered in a small location in the Middle East but now it has diverted our energy an much of the world is worrying about attacks. The United Nations has been a failure because the powerful countries will not participate when decisions do not go their way. This causes the organization to have little teeth when it comes to action against the powers who have veto rights.
There is a clash of moral and ethical standards in the complex world and it will take real leadership to bring some sort of harmony to the troubled world..
In Africa the largest country Nigeria has more people being held in bondage, murdered and enslaved than we can imagine but because we do not have a economic interest we do nothing. We have stood back and witnessed tragic events happening in many countries in Africa and do little to correct the situation. I wonder what would happen if this was to take place in a white environment where we had an economic interest?
We now find ourselves singled out by ISIS because of our involvement in Iraq and Syria and fear reprisals. Had we taken the proper actions and been a peacekeeper rather than a bomber this would probably not happen. There is so much misery spread around the world that our policies have to have a long range plan. ISIS was centered in a small location in the Middle East but now it has diverted our energy an much of the world is worrying about attacks. The United Nations has been a failure because the powerful countries will not participate when decisions do not go their way. This causes the organization to have little teeth when it comes to action against the powers who have veto rights.
There is a clash of moral and ethical standards in the complex world and it will take real leadership to bring some sort of harmony to the troubled world..
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Comfort Food
This morning at 5.57 as I opened the front door to retrieve my Toronto Star paper. I was hit with a 30 below blast of cold air which sent me to my favorite chair with a large cup of hot chocolate and a paper filled with tragic stories. For so early in the morning I was unable to read on but thought of something comforting. That thought turned into action as I felt it was the correct time to make a pot of home made beans.
I had the Thompson beans handy so quickly sped up the process by simmering them for half an hour. I always remember my Mothers way of preparing this great cold day specialty as she never used a recipe for anything. The only thing I do with the recipe on the bean bag is to cut the catsup in half and double the molasses. I also add a teaspoon of ginger. Onions make the great taste so I also double that ingredient
It does take six hours to make and it is worth the effort. I use peal meal bacon rather than salt pork and this cuts the fat and adds a nice touch to the flavor. When I get around to making comfort foods I always go back to the way I saw it being prepared if I can remember. Our parents had simple recipes that could be made quickly and did not cost too much and if they did not have the ingredients they simply used a substitute.
Since it takes six hours to cook I have a whole day to anticipate the treat which will make up the bulk of our supper. The other item will be home made bread which we made yesterday. Cold weather had its merits as we stay closer to the stove and use the extra heat to cook and enjoy comfort food.
I had the Thompson beans handy so quickly sped up the process by simmering them for half an hour. I always remember my Mothers way of preparing this great cold day specialty as she never used a recipe for anything. The only thing I do with the recipe on the bean bag is to cut the catsup in half and double the molasses. I also add a teaspoon of ginger. Onions make the great taste so I also double that ingredient
It does take six hours to make and it is worth the effort. I use peal meal bacon rather than salt pork and this cuts the fat and adds a nice touch to the flavor. When I get around to making comfort foods I always go back to the way I saw it being prepared if I can remember. Our parents had simple recipes that could be made quickly and did not cost too much and if they did not have the ingredients they simply used a substitute.
Since it takes six hours to cook I have a whole day to anticipate the treat which will make up the bulk of our supper. The other item will be home made bread which we made yesterday. Cold weather had its merits as we stay closer to the stove and use the extra heat to cook and enjoy comfort food.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Federal Indifference
Perhaps the best example of federal ignorance and indifference was the 30 minute meeting between our PM and our Ontario Premier. The recently elected premier had requested a meeting with the PM shortly after being elected to discuss mutually important issues which face the two governments. The PM has repeatedly refused to meet the request.
Our premier represents a third of the country's population and the province elects over a hundred of the seats in parliament. This alone would demand respect but because of a small personal matter he denied the meeting. A few days ago the PM was coming to Toronto for a hockey tournament game and setup half hour meeting before the game to discuss the huge issues.
Everyone in government will tell you that Ontario has a huge role to play in this country's economy and one half hour will not solve anything except time for an apology and some greetings. With the federal election coming up later in the year I hope we in Ontario remember the snub our worst ever prime minister administered to our first ever lady premier.
Our premier represents a third of the country's population and the province elects over a hundred of the seats in parliament. This alone would demand respect but because of a small personal matter he denied the meeting. A few days ago the PM was coming to Toronto for a hockey tournament game and setup half hour meeting before the game to discuss the huge issues.
Everyone in government will tell you that Ontario has a huge role to play in this country's economy and one half hour will not solve anything except time for an apology and some greetings. With the federal election coming up later in the year I hope we in Ontario remember the snub our worst ever prime minister administered to our first ever lady premier.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Night Out With The Girls
Last eve I was fortunate to have a couple of daughters who wished to take Theresa and I out for my birthday. It was rather a connection made from three points. Lynda was coming from Hamilton, Glenda was coming from work in Peel and we came from Oakville. We decided to arrive close to 5.30 and as it happened we all met just about on time.
Theresa and I arrived a little early so were able to order some wine and look over the menu. Ribs were the special and we all settled on them except Glenda who had a more conservative and healthy choice. It was a great gesture as we were able to have a good visit without the work of cooking and home preparation. Having family close by makes life so good as we are able to make plans such as these relatively easy
We had our dinner only minutes away from our new home and therefore were introduced to a venue which may become a favorite in the future. Birthdays or any occasion is reason for a get together and with family so close it is always a special day for me.
Theresa and I arrived a little early so were able to order some wine and look over the menu. Ribs were the special and we all settled on them except Glenda who had a more conservative and healthy choice. It was a great gesture as we were able to have a good visit without the work of cooking and home preparation. Having family close by makes life so good as we are able to make plans such as these relatively easy
We had our dinner only minutes away from our new home and therefore were introduced to a venue which may become a favorite in the future. Birthdays or any occasion is reason for a get together and with family so close it is always a special day for me.
Monday, January 5, 2015
70 Years Ago
It was a day similar to today whereby there had been some rainy weather followed by a cold snap. The small creek across the road had been dammed up by the local people and the pasture which was home to the cows was now a small lake running from Brooklyn Avenue to the dam. The water was frozen overnight and was as smooth as glass.
I awoke on my birthday and looked out the window to see this rink extending for a third of a mile and was so excited I immediately dressed for the first day of hockey this year. I pulled on my warm clothes and Detroit Red Wings sweater and wrestled with my old second hand tube skates. Dad filed the blades and inserted some extra padding at the ankles to help me from going over on my ankles.
Without breakfast I bolted out the door and crossed the road. Several others had the same idea so we were able to skate on that clear, clean ice and be the first to mark the sheet with bold strokes. I fell as I jumped on to the ice as did we all but recovered and with home made hockey stick skated the whole length of the ice surface. We raced each other and shouted with happiness for this was the opening of the hockey season down on the what we called the bog.
We set up teams and with Xmas close behind us there were plenty of Toronto Maple Leaf sweaters and a few Montreal as well. I had on the beautiful Red Wing sweater as I was becoming a fan of that team. Two years later when I was ten Gordie Howe became my hero and has remained so up to this day. I had to be called in for lunch but never took off my skates. I quickly ate my corn bread and molasses and returned to the ice.
All day we played hockey but Mom called me in for supper and after the hot stew which we loved I was presented with a chocolate cake with real boiled icing for my birthday. Dad gave me a new home made one piece hockey stick and I was just about the happiest eight year old in Cape Breton.
I awoke on my birthday and looked out the window to see this rink extending for a third of a mile and was so excited I immediately dressed for the first day of hockey this year. I pulled on my warm clothes and Detroit Red Wings sweater and wrestled with my old second hand tube skates. Dad filed the blades and inserted some extra padding at the ankles to help me from going over on my ankles.
Without breakfast I bolted out the door and crossed the road. Several others had the same idea so we were able to skate on that clear, clean ice and be the first to mark the sheet with bold strokes. I fell as I jumped on to the ice as did we all but recovered and with home made hockey stick skated the whole length of the ice surface. We raced each other and shouted with happiness for this was the opening of the hockey season down on the what we called the bog.
We set up teams and with Xmas close behind us there were plenty of Toronto Maple Leaf sweaters and a few Montreal as well. I had on the beautiful Red Wing sweater as I was becoming a fan of that team. Two years later when I was ten Gordie Howe became my hero and has remained so up to this day. I had to be called in for lunch but never took off my skates. I quickly ate my corn bread and molasses and returned to the ice.
All day we played hockey but Mom called me in for supper and after the hot stew which we loved I was presented with a chocolate cake with real boiled icing for my birthday. Dad gave me a new home made one piece hockey stick and I was just about the happiest eight year old in Cape Breton.
Friday, January 2, 2015
2015
2015 has a nice ring about it. Theresa and I have been living here since 2000 and now are moving away to live in a bungalow to accommodate older age and friendly one floor living. We will still be close to our family and as they move about we may find that we are in the middle of the family once more.
The last fifteen years have been filled with happiness and challenges. There have been many changes in our family as the eight grand children have grown up and have been a constant source of amusement of as they all chose to go to university and of course became much more knowledgeable than their grand parents. It is the interaction with youth that gives us the real feeling of understanding the changing world. It is on their shoulders that our communities will flourish and become even better places to live. The one great change I see through the eyes of the younger generation is their care and concern about the environment and their defense for a prejudice free society.
The last ten years has also shown how a government can drag down the country with its ignorance in making decisions without good science and to downgrade our overall concept of democracy as we knew it. We are a poorer country in the eyes of the world because of our right wing leanings and complete disregard for our contributions in the areas of social and peace keeping responsibilities for which we were known world wide in the past. The next ten years will have to do a lot of fixing up to put us back on the right path to restore Canada as a helpful and kind world member.
As we enter this year everyone can make this a better Country by being a better person. Get to know your neighbor, help someone in need, visit your friend who you have neglected, volunteer and become active in your community and exercise and take care of your health to remove some of the huge costs of health care. Live every day like it was your last because it might be and have fun. AMEN
The last fifteen years have been filled with happiness and challenges. There have been many changes in our family as the eight grand children have grown up and have been a constant source of amusement of as they all chose to go to university and of course became much more knowledgeable than their grand parents. It is the interaction with youth that gives us the real feeling of understanding the changing world. It is on their shoulders that our communities will flourish and become even better places to live. The one great change I see through the eyes of the younger generation is their care and concern about the environment and their defense for a prejudice free society.
The last ten years has also shown how a government can drag down the country with its ignorance in making decisions without good science and to downgrade our overall concept of democracy as we knew it. We are a poorer country in the eyes of the world because of our right wing leanings and complete disregard for our contributions in the areas of social and peace keeping responsibilities for which we were known world wide in the past. The next ten years will have to do a lot of fixing up to put us back on the right path to restore Canada as a helpful and kind world member.
As we enter this year everyone can make this a better Country by being a better person. Get to know your neighbor, help someone in need, visit your friend who you have neglected, volunteer and become active in your community and exercise and take care of your health to remove some of the huge costs of health care. Live every day like it was your last because it might be and have fun. AMEN
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