2011 saw significant changes in our lives - our first full year resident in Saskatchewan once again. We had several 'highs' and 'lows' in the year.
Regrettably we lost two important people in our lives. On February 2 our son-in-law Gerald Laliberte passed away. His serious illness was the reason for our 2010 relocation back to Regina after a 7 1/2 years living in Ottawa. Giovanni Delaney Bruce Laliberte (we call him Bruce) now lives with us. We have had some adjustment issues but are convinced that with professional assistance we will 'work things out'.
On September 18 Carol's dear mother, Irene Ruttle passed away at the age of 95 after a lengthy period of illness. Carol was able to get to Kingston for the funeral.
To look at brighter happier events... on July 8 we were blessed with the arrival our first granddaughter (after four grandsons). Kiowa Sage Lavallee is the 'prettiest' baby we know (of course we are likely very biased).
Temporarily she and her big brother Cairo (now aged two years) lived with us along with their Mother (and Dad some of the time) for several months. Heather and children did find other accommodation shortly before year's end.
David continued to deliver newspapers outside of income tax preparation season and as a spare carrier late in the year. GORANDMAR Personal Income Tax Service did operate successfully in 2011 but with a changing clientele. However late in the summer another significant event changed his whole working life.
In late August Dave began driving a school bus. It is a marvellous part time job. One has to like children to do a good job. But as he has always been good with children he is enjoying it very much.
Carol in 2011 also established a small business - becoming a Creative Memories consultant. She plans on getting her business in full operation in 2012. Please check out www.mycmsite.com/carolruttleabbey.
Our daughter Heather is also in business - planning an Aboriginal marketplace web site which she hopes to have operational early in 2012.
The grandkids - Trey (13) is in his last year of elementary school. He seems to have found his favourite sport - basketball - when he is not busy 'running' Facebook. Bruce who will be 9 on New Year's Eve is taking judo lessons and liking it a lot. He also spent several days visiting with 'grandpa' in Saskatoon as well as two weeks with his Laliberte relatives in Cumberland House. Dayvan (8) who we don't see frequently is doing well. Cairo (2) and Kiowa (5 months) well.. we saw them almost every day for many months with all the joys and hassles that brings.
All of us join in wishing all readers of this letter a wonderful holiday season and a great 2012.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Hi I'm -a short one
And some may have thought I had stopped this blog.. let's just say it has been in recess.
Really enjoying that new career driving a school bus. Not only the challenges of dealing with kids but also the opportunity to work on 'charter trips'. Have met lots of interesting folks on these charter trips.
Permit me to do a bit of promotion. My school bus company like many others in Canada is desperately seeking new school bus drivers. If any one is either unemployed, or under employed, or want something new you should contact your local school bus company. Many are offering large incentives for new drivers.
Have been reading lots of articles online on many many subjects. Some of them I am linking to my facebook profile. If you can please check them out.
A few weeks ago my mother in law passed away at the age of 95. While she had been quite ill the last few years it was sad to see her go. My wife did attend Irene Ruttle's funeral and is coping quite well with the loss.
Have been doing lots of 'soul searching' about our level of involvement with the organized Jewish community in Regina (meaning the local synagogue). It is a very welcoming group. But with the chnages in our life experiences (read... so much time doing child care) we are unsure if we wish to be formally connected to the community. We have not finalized our views but are definitely looking at various community/spiritual alternatives.
Really enjoying that new career driving a school bus. Not only the challenges of dealing with kids but also the opportunity to work on 'charter trips'. Have met lots of interesting folks on these charter trips.
Permit me to do a bit of promotion. My school bus company like many others in Canada is desperately seeking new school bus drivers. If any one is either unemployed, or under employed, or want something new you should contact your local school bus company. Many are offering large incentives for new drivers.
Have been reading lots of articles online on many many subjects. Some of them I am linking to my facebook profile. If you can please check them out.
A few weeks ago my mother in law passed away at the age of 95. While she had been quite ill the last few years it was sad to see her go. My wife did attend Irene Ruttle's funeral and is coping quite well with the loss.
Have been doing lots of 'soul searching' about our level of involvement with the organized Jewish community in Regina (meaning the local synagogue). It is a very welcoming group. But with the chnages in our life experiences (read... so much time doing child care) we are unsure if we wish to be formally connected to the community. We have not finalized our views but are definitely looking at various community/spiritual alternatives.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Changing Careers - well sort of ??
It has been a few weeks since my last entry but life keeps rolling along. As always doing one thing or another.....
Continuing to get up very early most mornings to deliver morning newspaper in Regina. A great way to get paid to exercise. Early morning is normally a very pleasant time of day. Hot summer days tend not to be hot early in the morning.
For the past three months have worked part time for Statistics Canada on the 2001 Census and National Householder Survey (NHS). The NHS is what used to be the long form census. Those who followed my previous blog in 2009 and 2010 will know I had quite a bit to say about the government's decision in 2010 to end the mandatory long form census. My experience and knowledge about the NHS reinforces my concern over the cancellation. True some of the questions even on the NHS may be seen by some to be 'intrusive'... but they were not nearly as 'personal' as some proponents of the cancellation would have you believe.
But a few weeks ago I decided to try something new. Earlier today I completed the last of the prerequisites to legally drive a school bus in Saskatchewan. For the past two weeks I have been intensively involved in both classroom and 'behind the wheel' instruction. To successfully learn a 'brand new' skill in one's seventh decade is a wonderful feeling.
Cannot leave a blog post without some comment on current 'goings on ' in our political worlds....want to focus on three today.
Our federal government continues to promote the export of asbestos claiming it is safe to use if handled properly. Yet health groups all over the world claim asbestos is a carcinogen. I as a Canadian am ashamed my federal authorities promote export and use of a known carcinogen. I only can hope those countries that import our asbestos will stop doing so. Maybe then our 'free trade' proponent government will understand nobody wants the stuff!!
As a supporter of a 'Jewish' state in the Middle East, I also support a 'Palestinian' state in the Middle East. Why the United States and its allies (including George Bush lite... oh I mean the government headed by Stephen Harper) cannot support a Palestinian state escapes me. The right wing Israeli government needs to know it cannot 'thumb its nose' at international opinion on the issue of settlements and treatment of Palestinians.
I see we are getting a minimum wage increase in Saskatchewan. I don't know how folks making under $10 a hour can make a living. Even if they work in an industry with tips added to customer bills their incomes are far below what can reasonably be called a 'living wage'. I hope this issue is discussed this fall in our provincial election campaign. I also hope the competing parties discuss social assistance benefit levels.
Continuing to get up very early most mornings to deliver morning newspaper in Regina. A great way to get paid to exercise. Early morning is normally a very pleasant time of day. Hot summer days tend not to be hot early in the morning.
For the past three months have worked part time for Statistics Canada on the 2001 Census and National Householder Survey (NHS). The NHS is what used to be the long form census. Those who followed my previous blog in 2009 and 2010 will know I had quite a bit to say about the government's decision in 2010 to end the mandatory long form census. My experience and knowledge about the NHS reinforces my concern over the cancellation. True some of the questions even on the NHS may be seen by some to be 'intrusive'... but they were not nearly as 'personal' as some proponents of the cancellation would have you believe.
But a few weeks ago I decided to try something new. Earlier today I completed the last of the prerequisites to legally drive a school bus in Saskatchewan. For the past two weeks I have been intensively involved in both classroom and 'behind the wheel' instruction. To successfully learn a 'brand new' skill in one's seventh decade is a wonderful feeling.
Cannot leave a blog post without some comment on current 'goings on ' in our political worlds....want to focus on three today.
Our federal government continues to promote the export of asbestos claiming it is safe to use if handled properly. Yet health groups all over the world claim asbestos is a carcinogen. I as a Canadian am ashamed my federal authorities promote export and use of a known carcinogen. I only can hope those countries that import our asbestos will stop doing so. Maybe then our 'free trade' proponent government will understand nobody wants the stuff!!
As a supporter of a 'Jewish' state in the Middle East, I also support a 'Palestinian' state in the Middle East. Why the United States and its allies (including George Bush lite... oh I mean the government headed by Stephen Harper) cannot support a Palestinian state escapes me. The right wing Israeli government needs to know it cannot 'thumb its nose' at international opinion on the issue of settlements and treatment of Palestinians.
I see we are getting a minimum wage increase in Saskatchewan. I don't know how folks making under $10 a hour can make a living. Even if they work in an industry with tips added to customer bills their incomes are far below what can reasonably be called a 'living wage'. I hope this issue is discussed this fall in our provincial election campaign. I also hope the competing parties discuss social assistance benefit levels.
Monday, August 1, 2011
The Good Old Summertime and Various
Hello again.. it's been a while.. but here goes.. musings on a variety of topics.
I now have a granddaughter!!!!!!! About 3 weeks ago the prettiest little lady ever (and who says I am biased) entered this world. As her Mom is 'between residences' we have had the joys (or hassles) of watching over this little tyke a lot of the last 3 weeks. But usually enjoyed every minute of it....but am sleep deprived much of the time...but that goes with having two little people around (after all her big brother is all of 19 months old now)the
Have had lots of rain and lots of warm weather this summer in Saskatchewan.
Like so many others in Canada I was upset at health news respecting Jack Layton. We did send him a get well message and hope he heals quickly.
Oh those terrible events in Norway. There is not much that can be worse than a 'lunatic' killing innocent children for political reasons. What is almost as disgusting is the attempt by some right wing commentators and talk show hosts (they are often one and the same) to distance their views from the actions of the 'lunatic'. YOu know if you continually bad-mouth certain minorities no matter how 'professional' you may be, someone will quote you when acting out in what can only be describe as a hateful fanaticism.
People decrying multiculturalism both here in NOrth America and in Europe need to understand the impact of their words. Personally I believe we should celebrate the multicultral aspect of our country and community. We should celebrate our differences not criticize them.
Of course we must insist all residents of our community and country respect our legal norms - e.g. gender equity. But in that framework we must acknowledge the richness our diverse community brings to each of us.
I now have a granddaughter!!!!!!! About 3 weeks ago the prettiest little lady ever (and who says I am biased) entered this world. As her Mom is 'between residences' we have had the joys (or hassles) of watching over this little tyke a lot of the last 3 weeks. But usually enjoyed every minute of it....but am sleep deprived much of the time...but that goes with having two little people around (after all her big brother is all of 19 months old now)the
Have had lots of rain and lots of warm weather this summer in Saskatchewan.
Like so many others in Canada I was upset at health news respecting Jack Layton. We did send him a get well message and hope he heals quickly.
Oh those terrible events in Norway. There is not much that can be worse than a 'lunatic' killing innocent children for political reasons. What is almost as disgusting is the attempt by some right wing commentators and talk show hosts (they are often one and the same) to distance their views from the actions of the 'lunatic'. YOu know if you continually bad-mouth certain minorities no matter how 'professional' you may be, someone will quote you when acting out in what can only be describe as a hateful fanaticism.
People decrying multiculturalism both here in NOrth America and in Europe need to understand the impact of their words. Personally I believe we should celebrate the multicultral aspect of our country and community. We should celebrate our differences not criticize them.
Of course we must insist all residents of our community and country respect our legal norms - e.g. gender equity. But in that framework we must acknowledge the richness our diverse community brings to each of us.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Ottawa Trip June/July 2011
Well some of my facebook friends want a blog entry on our recent trip.. well here goes....
June 28 saw all four of us up bright and early to make a 6:30 AM Westjet Flight to Toronto with a transfer to Ottawa. Both our grandsons who travelled with us were aerial novices. After some very short initial hesitation and discomfort both settled into flying. Hey they may even become 'frequent flyers' for all we know.
Our 18 month old was so 'cool' he fell asleep before we boarded the Toronto - Ottawa flight and woke up after we deplaned in Ottawa.. such a cool dude that Cairo.
Had a meal with my mother after our arrival. Got set up in our 'digs' for the stay.
June 29 was 'museum' day for us. Headed over to Gatineau early in the morning (well not that early) to see the Museum of Civilization especially the Children's Museum. Both kids got a kick of the Children's Museum. We got a shocking reminder of how expensive Ottawa and area food can be with the cost of a small lunch at the museum's cafeteria. That afternoon we then checked out the Museum of Nature (the one in the castle building for those who know Ottawa).
June 30 was the day we went to and from Kingston. Our eight year old rode a real train (VIA) from Ottawa to Smith's Fall along with his bubbe. Our 18 month old and I drove to meet them in Smiths' Falls after which we drove to Kingston. Briefly visited my inlaws and then off went to Old Fort Henry. The guards there have a small mascot (a donkey named David) which both boys enjoyed seeing.
Friday was Canada Day...one of the two reasons we went there this year. Thousands of people in downtown Ottawa. We opted NOT to go to the Hill, but rather spent an hour or two at Major Hill's Park. Then we tried to walk through Confederation Square. In the midst of many many people we 'lost' our 8 year old grandson. Fortunately with the help of some roving police officers the separation period was not too long. We found the excessive security barriers (metal barriers along both sides of their parade route) for the royals to be oppressive. We are mostly indifferent to the monarchy and are even more so after our experience.
Saturday was a day to visit old friends at Temple Israel in Ottawa. Many were there and our grandsons didn't wreck the joint. ((:-)). Later on that day we visited with my brother and some of his family.
Sunday we visited the Museum of Agriculture which while short, was quite enjoyable. Then we went to a small party to mark my mother's 90th birthday. It was very pleasant and even she enjoyed it.
Monday we went to the War Museum. It was a 'chuckle' listenign to our 'certain' 8 year old wanting to see weapons but unsure of how 'scary' some of the stuff might be. We also had lunch with a very special friend and had supper at Chelsea Quebec with a long time friend and client.
Tuesday was our last day.. we had a nice visit and lunch to mark the 90th birthday of another family member.. then said good bye to my mother.. and went to the airport. We got a nice photo of our 8 year old inspecting the Westjet airplane's cockpit.
Lots of special folks to thank for this holiday. In various ways Rhoda Abbey, Lynne O'Neil, Bev Grostern, Sylvie and Patsy Royer, Robert Adolfson helped us. We all very grateful for what they and others have done for us.
The trip was nice but it was really good to get home.....
June 28 saw all four of us up bright and early to make a 6:30 AM Westjet Flight to Toronto with a transfer to Ottawa. Both our grandsons who travelled with us were aerial novices. After some very short initial hesitation and discomfort both settled into flying. Hey they may even become 'frequent flyers' for all we know.
Our 18 month old was so 'cool' he fell asleep before we boarded the Toronto - Ottawa flight and woke up after we deplaned in Ottawa.. such a cool dude that Cairo.
Had a meal with my mother after our arrival. Got set up in our 'digs' for the stay.
June 29 was 'museum' day for us. Headed over to Gatineau early in the morning (well not that early) to see the Museum of Civilization especially the Children's Museum. Both kids got a kick of the Children's Museum. We got a shocking reminder of how expensive Ottawa and area food can be with the cost of a small lunch at the museum's cafeteria. That afternoon we then checked out the Museum of Nature (the one in the castle building for those who know Ottawa).
June 30 was the day we went to and from Kingston. Our eight year old rode a real train (VIA) from Ottawa to Smith's Fall along with his bubbe. Our 18 month old and I drove to meet them in Smiths' Falls after which we drove to Kingston. Briefly visited my inlaws and then off went to Old Fort Henry. The guards there have a small mascot (a donkey named David) which both boys enjoyed seeing.
Friday was Canada Day...one of the two reasons we went there this year. Thousands of people in downtown Ottawa. We opted NOT to go to the Hill, but rather spent an hour or two at Major Hill's Park. Then we tried to walk through Confederation Square. In the midst of many many people we 'lost' our 8 year old grandson. Fortunately with the help of some roving police officers the separation period was not too long. We found the excessive security barriers (metal barriers along both sides of their parade route) for the royals to be oppressive. We are mostly indifferent to the monarchy and are even more so after our experience.
Saturday was a day to visit old friends at Temple Israel in Ottawa. Many were there and our grandsons didn't wreck the joint. ((:-)). Later on that day we visited with my brother and some of his family.
Sunday we visited the Museum of Agriculture which while short, was quite enjoyable. Then we went to a small party to mark my mother's 90th birthday. It was very pleasant and even she enjoyed it.
Monday we went to the War Museum. It was a 'chuckle' listenign to our 'certain' 8 year old wanting to see weapons but unsure of how 'scary' some of the stuff might be. We also had lunch with a very special friend and had supper at Chelsea Quebec with a long time friend and client.
Tuesday was our last day.. we had a nice visit and lunch to mark the 90th birthday of another family member.. then said good bye to my mother.. and went to the airport. We got a nice photo of our 8 year old inspecting the Westjet airplane's cockpit.
Lots of special folks to thank for this holiday. In various ways Rhoda Abbey, Lynne O'Neil, Bev Grostern, Sylvie and Patsy Royer, Robert Adolfson helped us. We all very grateful for what they and others have done for us.
The trip was nice but it was really good to get home.....
Saturday, June 11, 2011
107 Days Absence
Wow have I been 'out of it' blogwise for that long.. so much has happened in that time.
I had an interesting 8th season of tax preparation. Some difficult adjustments for me and many of my clients because of the distance between us. But the majority ' hung in there' and contributed to making my 8th season one of the best ever. I was able to find some new clients in Saskatchewan to replace some of the ones I lost in Ottawa. But my client numbers are down in total meaning I have more work to do getting ready for next season.
I have taken on some bookkeeping duties for small corporations which has helped keep me busy.
I continue to deliver newspapers six days a week taking time off only during tax season and for a forthcoming family visit to Ottawa.
Let's talk about the event of May 2. I must say two things surprised me.. the Tories getting their majority and the 'orange wave' vaulting the NDP into Official Opposition status. And what about those results in Quebec...surreal at the time I must say. The real losers though are the Canadian people. The Tories legitimately got a majority through our unfair 'first past the post' electoral system. We need a new electoral system resulting in a parliament/legislature that more accurately reflects the political opinions of the electorate. My sense is the folks at Fair Vote Canada 'got it right'.
I don't agree with expressing opposition to our current government in an inappropriate way as was done during the Throne Speech. I do applaud the 'guts' of the person who did this.. but question its usefulness. I had the same experience some 46 years ago picketing a national remembrance day ceremony. At the time one of the most exciting tactics I was involved in.. in hindsight one of the most foolish ((:-)). Opinions can change based on analysis and persuasion.. not obstruction or disturbances.
Late this month I and my immediate household plus one begin a week long visit to Ottawa. To have our 8 year old grandson experience Ottawa on Canada Day; and to mark the 90th birthay of my mother. Looking forward to it.
I had an interesting 8th season of tax preparation. Some difficult adjustments for me and many of my clients because of the distance between us. But the majority ' hung in there' and contributed to making my 8th season one of the best ever. I was able to find some new clients in Saskatchewan to replace some of the ones I lost in Ottawa. But my client numbers are down in total meaning I have more work to do getting ready for next season.
I have taken on some bookkeeping duties for small corporations which has helped keep me busy.
I continue to deliver newspapers six days a week taking time off only during tax season and for a forthcoming family visit to Ottawa.
Let's talk about the event of May 2. I must say two things surprised me.. the Tories getting their majority and the 'orange wave' vaulting the NDP into Official Opposition status. And what about those results in Quebec...surreal at the time I must say. The real losers though are the Canadian people. The Tories legitimately got a majority through our unfair 'first past the post' electoral system. We need a new electoral system resulting in a parliament/legislature that more accurately reflects the political opinions of the electorate. My sense is the folks at Fair Vote Canada 'got it right'.
I don't agree with expressing opposition to our current government in an inappropriate way as was done during the Throne Speech. I do applaud the 'guts' of the person who did this.. but question its usefulness. I had the same experience some 46 years ago picketing a national remembrance day ceremony. At the time one of the most exciting tactics I was involved in.. in hindsight one of the most foolish ((:-)). Opinions can change based on analysis and persuasion.. not obstruction or disturbances.
Late this month I and my immediate household plus one begin a week long visit to Ottawa. To have our 8 year old grandson experience Ottawa on Canada Day; and to mark the 90th birthay of my mother. Looking forward to it.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
INfrequent Posts for a While
The income tax preparation season and dealing with grandchildren continue to be a preoccupation right now. Most other activities are falling by the wayside.
I will attend an interesting meeting next Friday night here in Regina. Alex Neve of Amnesty International is speaking at a local church. Should be fascinating to hear his 'take' on human rights in 2011 - the 50th anniversary of the founding of Amnesty International.
As this is my first year of operation in Saskatchewan I am 'hustling' for clients. Have distributed flyers to a number of retirement homes and other places in the community.
Oh.. and the machinations of our federal politicians. Looks like an election is coming sooner than later. I think there'll be lots of confusion out there if the election occurs in early May - April 30 (May 2) is income tax deadline and I believe Census Day in Canada this year is early May.
I will attend an interesting meeting next Friday night here in Regina. Alex Neve of Amnesty International is speaking at a local church. Should be fascinating to hear his 'take' on human rights in 2011 - the 50th anniversary of the founding of Amnesty International.
As this is my first year of operation in Saskatchewan I am 'hustling' for clients. Have distributed flyers to a number of retirement homes and other places in the community.
Oh.. and the machinations of our federal politicians. Looks like an election is coming sooner than later. I think there'll be lots of confusion out there if the election occurs in early May - April 30 (May 2) is income tax deadline and I believe Census Day in Canada this year is early May.
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