Yesterday I saw a dear friend pass away from this life. For some it might become the end of a very active and endearing friendship.For me it was anything but as her memory will stay with me forever as a person who shared and enhanced my life for over a quarter of a century. We became a working team which from the very beginning was one sided as her knowledge and willingness to share it enabled me to mesh into Pembroke with relative ease.
Over the next nearly 30 years she became a wonderful friend to our family as well as work partner.Betty was one of the feistiest ladies I ever had the good luck to know and spoke her mind and never backed away from a controversial situation. More times than I wish to count she steered me away from a path which could have resulted in problematic situations not only in educational matters but in political ones as well.
Betty was athletic and only a few saw her make a move that was pretty dynamic when she could clear the main office desk which only the vice principal Doug could manage at a much younger age. She was fit and for her size mighty and as I was reading an older year book found out she was a track and field star when she attended Pembroke Collegiate. Betty loved the students and at the front line she managed to keep a stern face but had an understanding heart and a good sense of humour.
Betty shared her respect and admiration for her father who returned from the war with physical disabilities. Betty received a gift from her Dad that she held lifelong and that was of the beauty and value of reading. Betty said there was nothing written that her father wouldst read an passed this gift on to her. Betty took care of her Mom and her shared wish to become a nurse was interrupted but this did not stop Betty from becoming the best at everything she attempted.
All of our staff at PSPS loved and respected her for the valuable person she was and will dearly miss her. For me there will be a warm place in my hearts treasury for Betty (Mac)Burgess, she was a friend.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
The Emergence of Democracy
After ten long years Canada threw off the shackles of a sour,toxic regime and emerged with a fresh young democratic and positive leader and a new Liberal majority government.It came about in a dramatic fashion with the Atlantic provinces painting the map red in every riding. The rest of the country went the same way with a surge of new people being elected to bring about change.
Most people realized that new blood and new ideas had to be presented and positive leadership was the answer. Harper served the country for ten years and should be given credit and thanks for his dedication to Canada. For any leader to serve like that contributions were made but in this case the old ideas became tired and the leader became toxic so the people spoke.
The future seems to be bright and the leader energetic but there is much to do and so many expectations will be demanded after all the promises. If the democratic process is revived and all members have a stake in the process our country will flourish and people will have new faith in our system. There must be patience as everything cannot be done in a short time but there must be perceived and seen progress on the promised programs.
I love the excitement of an election and the energy of all the candidates, not only the winners as I think of every person who dares and puts up his name to be judged by fellow citizens is a winner.One statement that sticks with me from Justin's remarks resonates with me. Justin said said that the opposition are not our enemies but they are our neighbors. That makes sense and my wish is that everyone in Canada comes together and works to make this country the best that it can be. The election is over and we have to contribute in so many ways to become a true citizen of the best country in the world.
Most people realized that new blood and new ideas had to be presented and positive leadership was the answer. Harper served the country for ten years and should be given credit and thanks for his dedication to Canada. For any leader to serve like that contributions were made but in this case the old ideas became tired and the leader became toxic so the people spoke.
The future seems to be bright and the leader energetic but there is much to do and so many expectations will be demanded after all the promises. If the democratic process is revived and all members have a stake in the process our country will flourish and people will have new faith in our system. There must be patience as everything cannot be done in a short time but there must be perceived and seen progress on the promised programs.
I love the excitement of an election and the energy of all the candidates, not only the winners as I think of every person who dares and puts up his name to be judged by fellow citizens is a winner.One statement that sticks with me from Justin's remarks resonates with me. Justin said said that the opposition are not our enemies but they are our neighbors. That makes sense and my wish is that everyone in Canada comes together and works to make this country the best that it can be. The election is over and we have to contribute in so many ways to become a true citizen of the best country in the world.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
A Hint Of Coolness In The Air
My friend Don Root came out with this expression one day and took us all by surprise with his poetic excellence. Now every time it turns cooler or colder Theresa and I have a silent chuckle remembering our poet Don..
The air is cooler and fall is upon us. Yesterday I closed out my small garden and we turned in our ripe and over ripe tomatoes into 15 jars of spaghetti sauce. This caused us to clean out our freezer and as one thing turns into another we were faced with fall cleanup of freezer and basement. We do not wish to think of winter but fall does have its benefits. Doris came out to our house and we took a drive up into the Halton Hills where we experienced a beautiful sight as only Mother Nature can paint when the trees put on their annual blaze of colour.
Doris loves trees of any size, shape or colour and she expressed many times just how much she appreciated this little treat.Doris also loved the view from our small balcony overlooking a small stream. The array of vegetation and trees here makes for a beautiful picture and with the sunset in the background she had her fill of all that is beautiful in nature.
The air is cooler and fall is upon us. Yesterday I closed out my small garden and we turned in our ripe and over ripe tomatoes into 15 jars of spaghetti sauce. This caused us to clean out our freezer and as one thing turns into another we were faced with fall cleanup of freezer and basement. We do not wish to think of winter but fall does have its benefits. Doris came out to our house and we took a drive up into the Halton Hills where we experienced a beautiful sight as only Mother Nature can paint when the trees put on their annual blaze of colour.
Doris loves trees of any size, shape or colour and she expressed many times just how much she appreciated this little treat.Doris also loved the view from our small balcony overlooking a small stream. The array of vegetation and trees here makes for a beautiful picture and with the sunset in the background she had her fill of all that is beautiful in nature.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Thanksgiving Family Day
Thanksgiving in Canada is really family day as it ranks as the most important and popular for most people who enjoy time with their family. We in our family have traditionally shared this day with the hope that every member will be able to attend. On this past weekend we were blessed with perfect weather and 100 percent attendance
A special occasion like this also became the first open house of Lynda and Peter at their new country estate. A beautiful old stone schoolhouse with added rooms and living quarters and a new swimming pond made this the perfect manner to christen this home. There were 25 members of the family and friends exploring the four acres of landscaped gardens and wooded area. Mature trees surrounded the property and a new garden plot was established for future development.
Turkeys and ham along with a wide selection of vegetables made this event traditional but it was the variety of desserts brought by the guests that made the meal complete. All the food and goodies became secondary to the fun that was had by the three generations of this crew who talked, shouted, argued and just had a great time with all our family in one room.
I always say that the most important gift we have is each other and as I always do sit back and wonder how I could be so fortunate to have such a wonderful family. The added benefit is that our grandchildren have attracted such a great new group of people which strengthens and diversify's our family .On a more somber note I wish that my Mother and Father could have lived long enough to see what a great family they started with a solid foundation of good moral bringing up.
A special occasion like this also became the first open house of Lynda and Peter at their new country estate. A beautiful old stone schoolhouse with added rooms and living quarters and a new swimming pond made this the perfect manner to christen this home. There were 25 members of the family and friends exploring the four acres of landscaped gardens and wooded area. Mature trees surrounded the property and a new garden plot was established for future development.
Turkeys and ham along with a wide selection of vegetables made this event traditional but it was the variety of desserts brought by the guests that made the meal complete. All the food and goodies became secondary to the fun that was had by the three generations of this crew who talked, shouted, argued and just had a great time with all our family in one room.
I always say that the most important gift we have is each other and as I always do sit back and wonder how I could be so fortunate to have such a wonderful family. The added benefit is that our grandchildren have attracted such a great new group of people which strengthens and diversify's our family .On a more somber note I wish that my Mother and Father could have lived long enough to see what a great family they started with a solid foundation of good moral bringing up.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
The Big Trade Deal
The announcement about the huge trade deal with the dozen countries coming together to forge some rules about trading in a more open manner is a giant first step. Trade pacts like this will take years to actually become law as every separate country must get the legislation passed through their parliament . This will be a huge problem in places like the USA because of the lobbying directed at the house will cause at least years of work.
There will be some discussion in Canada's parliament as well if the Liberals win the election but with the secrecy shown so far by the Tories we will have to see. The trade accord is just that up to now and with so many different interests a good public debate should bring about a good democratic result.
Over the past ten years we as a country has shown a negative trade balance and this new trade deal could bring us to a positive black line if our industry can manage to out perform the other members of the deal. We as a country have been at a disadvantage because of our high dollar but now with our dollar at the 70 plus level we should do better.
Being a resource trader we always shadow the productive countries because they buy our raw materials. When they slow down so do we and that has to change. We must have an added value to our raw materials and become producers of product instead of just providing product to the productive countries.
Canada has lost over 400,000 jobs in Ontario alone in the manufacturing sector as company after company left to resettle in Mexico or some place where labor is cheap and human rights are ignored. This too has to change as we can no longer put dollars ahead of our moral obligation to trade with countries who are trying to promote human rights for their workers and protection of the environment.
In the years to come this trade deal could be a great boon for Canada but do not look for the benefit in the near future.
There will be some discussion in Canada's parliament as well if the Liberals win the election but with the secrecy shown so far by the Tories we will have to see. The trade accord is just that up to now and with so many different interests a good public debate should bring about a good democratic result.
Over the past ten years we as a country has shown a negative trade balance and this new trade deal could bring us to a positive black line if our industry can manage to out perform the other members of the deal. We as a country have been at a disadvantage because of our high dollar but now with our dollar at the 70 plus level we should do better.
Being a resource trader we always shadow the productive countries because they buy our raw materials. When they slow down so do we and that has to change. We must have an added value to our raw materials and become producers of product instead of just providing product to the productive countries.
Canada has lost over 400,000 jobs in Ontario alone in the manufacturing sector as company after company left to resettle in Mexico or some place where labor is cheap and human rights are ignored. This too has to change as we can no longer put dollars ahead of our moral obligation to trade with countries who are trying to promote human rights for their workers and protection of the environment.
In the years to come this trade deal could be a great boon for Canada but do not look for the benefit in the near future.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Federal Election
After ten years of an ultra right wing conservative government we live in a far different world than before Harper. Our country is more divided, more fearful, less respected in the world, less democratic and I could go on and on. Our safety net organizations and departments have been gutted, Water safety, environmental concerns. social structures, global warming and pure science institutes have been ignored and in many cases muted if their findings do not promote the Harper way.
How sad to see one of the great small country's status being dragged down by ideological rather than scientifically factual decisions. We as a country will have to work at years of undoing this tragic design of a conservative government rather than a healthy democracy standing tall in the world and standing for a peaceful force rather than a military puppet .
This extremely long election call has made all of us weary of the placates and tired rhetoric of fear mongering instead of the real issues . The issues of return to democracy, jobs and protection of our Canadian way of life should be addressed and sincere interest in real change so we will return to a more prosperous and gentler Canada.
How sad to see one of the great small country's status being dragged down by ideological rather than scientifically factual decisions. We as a country will have to work at years of undoing this tragic design of a conservative government rather than a healthy democracy standing tall in the world and standing for a peaceful force rather than a military puppet .
This extremely long election call has made all of us weary of the placates and tired rhetoric of fear mongering instead of the real issues . The issues of return to democracy, jobs and protection of our Canadian way of life should be addressed and sincere interest in real change so we will return to a more prosperous and gentler Canada.
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