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.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
The Real Rangers of the North
The rangers who help protect our North are having a difficult time. Some 49 have died in the past few years and this is out of a total force of 4,500. These volunteers are given a second world war rifle,a handful of bullets, a ranger cap and a sweat shirt in red with their crest. When on patrol they receive gas for their snow machines and food. They train often in winter and are dedicated to their task.
I worked with these rangers for five years and they would be the ones I would wish to be along side of if there was trouble in the North. These junior and senior Rangers are dedicated and take their role seriously. Our Prime Minister uses them for a photo Op and makes promises but they never see him again.
If that many soldiers died down here in lower Canada there would be a task force to find the cause but these Rangers are not even classed as reserve soldiers so receive no money or special perks if they are hurt or die in the line of duty.
The Rangers are proud of their role and continue to be our first line of defense in the North and deserve better.This yer I heard that they are going to receive the standard FN C1 7.64 rifle used by our NATO forces.This will replace the old Lee Infield which was used during the second world war.
Bravo to the Rangers and lets hope that whoever gets elected they are better looked after than they have been in the past.
I worked with these rangers for five years and they would be the ones I would wish to be along side of if there was trouble in the North. These junior and senior Rangers are dedicated and take their role seriously. Our Prime Minister uses them for a photo Op and makes promises but they never see him again.
If that many soldiers died down here in lower Canada there would be a task force to find the cause but these Rangers are not even classed as reserve soldiers so receive no money or special perks if they are hurt or die in the line of duty.
The Rangers are proud of their role and continue to be our first line of defense in the North and deserve better.This yer I heard that they are going to receive the standard FN C1 7.64 rifle used by our NATO forces.This will replace the old Lee Infield which was used during the second world war.
Bravo to the Rangers and lets hope that whoever gets elected they are better looked after than they have been in the past.
Monday, September 21, 2015
St. Louis Du Ha ! Ha !
For years Theresa and I have looked at a golf course along the highway in Quebec. It was in the town of Louis de Ha Ha and looked inviting. This year on our way to Cape Breton we decided to stop and enjoy a game of golf. We stayed at a Motel on Lake Cobano. This is truly one of the most beautiful areas in Quebec with over twenty miles of pristine lake and mountains in the background.
We booked a game of golf and when arriving at the course were quite surprised at just how advanced this course appeared. Great care of the fairways and greens and particular care of the cart paths. We were told of the dangerous rides from one hole to another but was not prepared at just how dangerous they were, Electric switches when entering the path from one hole to another and another electric switch to use when you left the hole. Steep hills with dangerous grades and mirrors on the turns. It was spectular
Theresa held on for dear life on nearly every hole. As we passed from one hole to another we enjoyed vista after vista as the course wandered through very hilly countryside. The game became secondary to the course itself and as we completed the course decided that we would have to pass this way again.
We booked a game of golf and when arriving at the course were quite surprised at just how advanced this course appeared. Great care of the fairways and greens and particular care of the cart paths. We were told of the dangerous rides from one hole to another but was not prepared at just how dangerous they were, Electric switches when entering the path from one hole to another and another electric switch to use when you left the hole. Steep hills with dangerous grades and mirrors on the turns. It was spectular
Theresa held on for dear life on nearly every hole. As we passed from one hole to another we enjoyed vista after vista as the course wandered through very hilly countryside. The game became secondary to the course itself and as we completed the course decided that we would have to pass this way again.
Playing With Marbles is For Children
I have been taking therapy for a condition involving my leg. There has been some nerve damage and the result is limited strength and agility. I have been getting help for some time now with little progress. A new program was designed by my helper and I received many useful sessions dealing with proper procedures in correcting with my problem.
The last week took a turn for getting help in improving my balance. The therapist assigned me a room for the treatment I was about to receive. I was surprised to see him enter the session with a small box and a small bucket. I was asked to remove my brace, shoe and socks. Next came the surprise activity. In the box were a dozen or so marbles and some clothes pins.
Much to my surprise he placed the marbles neatly in a line on the floor. He then asked me to pick up the marbles with my bare foot and place them in the bucket. After laughing and thinking this was some kind of joke I was quickly brought back to reality with a firm request to follow the instruction. In order to assist me the therapist demonstrated the procedure I was to follow. He had no difficulty in performing the task to perfection. Me on the other hand could not even grasp the marble and every time I tried I sent the marble flying across the floor.
I asked him what was the sense behind this activity and he gave me a long but thoughtful reason. In essence it was to get some life into that foot which was frozen and to loosen up the bones in my foot to aid me in my balance. For the next half hour I tried and tried to perform the exercise and was unsuccessful I thought. At the end of the session he said I had done well as I had caused some movement in my toes and that was the first step in gaining better balance.
We left as friends and as I looked around I never saw anyone laughing or staring in my direction at seeing an older man playing with marbles . Playing marbles is a game for children is it not ?
The last week took a turn for getting help in improving my balance. The therapist assigned me a room for the treatment I was about to receive. I was surprised to see him enter the session with a small box and a small bucket. I was asked to remove my brace, shoe and socks. Next came the surprise activity. In the box were a dozen or so marbles and some clothes pins.
Much to my surprise he placed the marbles neatly in a line on the floor. He then asked me to pick up the marbles with my bare foot and place them in the bucket. After laughing and thinking this was some kind of joke I was quickly brought back to reality with a firm request to follow the instruction. In order to assist me the therapist demonstrated the procedure I was to follow. He had no difficulty in performing the task to perfection. Me on the other hand could not even grasp the marble and every time I tried I sent the marble flying across the floor.
I asked him what was the sense behind this activity and he gave me a long but thoughtful reason. In essence it was to get some life into that foot which was frozen and to loosen up the bones in my foot to aid me in my balance. For the next half hour I tried and tried to perform the exercise and was unsuccessful I thought. At the end of the session he said I had done well as I had caused some movement in my toes and that was the first step in gaining better balance.
We left as friends and as I looked around I never saw anyone laughing or staring in my direction at seeing an older man playing with marbles . Playing marbles is a game for children is it not ?
Friday, August 28, 2015
The Cabot Trail
One of the most scenic drives in the world is found in Cape Breton and is named after one of the earliest explorers in Canada. The Cabot trail has been a favourite drive for Canadians and world travelers as well and remains as a key to tourism in Nova Scotia.
I have driven the trail many times over the last 75 years but never cease to marvel at the still unspoiled beauty of this natural wonder. Theresa and I have been over the trail several times but this time the weather was perfect and we enjoyed the magic of this journey once again. Words fail me to describe the vistas that appear around every curve of the road,
I imagine that I will make the effort a few more times in the future to make the trip but if not I have some great pictures in my minds eye of one of the greatest visual treats
available to man.
I have driven the trail many times over the last 75 years but never cease to marvel at the still unspoiled beauty of this natural wonder. Theresa and I have been over the trail several times but this time the weather was perfect and we enjoyed the magic of this journey once again. Words fail me to describe the vistas that appear around every curve of the road,
I imagine that I will make the effort a few more times in the future to make the trip but if not I have some great pictures in my minds eye of one of the greatest visual treats
Bluenose ll
I have sailed on the Bluenose ll several times when it was attached to Halifax as a public relation ship. This time we were staying in Sydney and with our good luck he ship was in port. This sailing ship is an icon among sailing ships and the envy of the American sailing association because of the record of wins over many years in international competition.
Early one morning we realized that the Bluenose was leaving harbor at 9 o'clock sharp. We hurried down to dockside at 8 o'clock and watched the crew scurry about in preparation for the departure. Finally he horn blew and the cannon sounded and the ship moved slowly from its slip to move on to Pictou. Theresa and I took many pictures and it was a challenge to get the whole ship into frame as the main mast is 125 feet in height.
As the bluenose pointed into the wind she looked so graceful and the beautiful lines made her look like a bird taking flight. Canadians can be proud of the history of the Bluenose and if you can have an opportunity to visit this ship do so for a trip down a heritage giant. I loved the sight so much that Theresa and I followed her progress as she sailed around Cape Breton . Every open ocean sight we found brought us a perfect picture of the Bluenose. What a wonderful way to share our day around the Cabot Trail with the Bluenose.
Early one morning we realized that the Bluenose was leaving harbor at 9 o'clock sharp. We hurried down to dockside at 8 o'clock and watched the crew scurry about in preparation for the departure. Finally he horn blew and the cannon sounded and the ship moved slowly from its slip to move on to Pictou. Theresa and I took many pictures and it was a challenge to get the whole ship into frame as the main mast is 125 feet in height.
As the bluenose pointed into the wind she looked so graceful and the beautiful lines made her look like a bird taking flight. Canadians can be proud of the history of the Bluenose and if you can have an opportunity to visit this ship do so for a trip down a heritage giant. I loved the sight so much that Theresa and I followed her progress as she sailed around Cape Breton . Every open ocean sight we found brought us a perfect picture of the Bluenose. What a wonderful way to share our day around the Cabot Trail with the Bluenose.
Saturday, August 1, 2015
The Store is Open
During the past five days the conservative store has been open and over $1,000,000,000 of our taxpayers money has been distributed to riding's faithful to the conservatives or ones that they think they can win.This is a lot of money and if used for the good of the country it could help our Vets, bring drinking water to the First Nations, help cure cancer, keep our research experts working and a dozen other things.
This reminds me of the early times when parties bought votes and men received a mickey and women nylons for their vote.This is going to be an interesting election and we will see some good men come to the rescue of Canada and defeat this corrupt and tired tyrannical government.
There are many more good people than bad running and even the conservatives have some excellent people who have been blocked from voicing their opinion but did not have the guts to stand up and be counted as the dictator had supreme power. These people will have to be accountable to ordinary folks who are fed up with the Harper way and we will see a new beginning from the bottom up.
This reminds me of the early times when parties bought votes and men received a mickey and women nylons for their vote.This is going to be an interesting election and we will see some good men come to the rescue of Canada and defeat this corrupt and tired tyrannical government.
There are many more good people than bad running and even the conservatives have some excellent people who have been blocked from voicing their opinion but did not have the guts to stand up and be counted as the dictator had supreme power. These people will have to be accountable to ordinary folks who are fed up with the Harper way and we will see a new beginning from the bottom up.
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