Happy People

Watched Ottawa's Pride Parade this afternoon.. very nice seeing such happy people proud of their lives. Wonderful to see participation by police department, and Canadian Armed Forces.

Surprises and a Meeting

Well I was surprised by Doer's appointment.. but what do I really know?? ((:-))

Most readers know I run an income tax preparation business. Today I met in person a client who I have known for almost a year. It was really nice to put a face to lots of email messages and phone calls.

Even though I support strongly the use of electronic communication for working (and living) in the 21st century, it was nice to meet someone in person.\\

Varia

Well see that our Prime Minister is again breaking a promise about Senate appointments...hmmm...maybe best solution is outright abolition of that so-called 'august' body.

Heard radio speculation about ambassadorial appointment for Gary Doer. Wonder what's behind that? Given history of different parties I would be a little surprised if it happens. But then Pierre Trudeau appointed Stephen Lewis to UN; and recommended Ed Schreyer ror GG. So the surprise is 'little' not big.

Hear that someone is trying to 'out' a blogger here in ottawa.. have mixed feelings...I for one.. have no problem being identified as source of all these posts...on the other hand if the blogger in question has something important to say (and is open to a job loss) then maybe the identity should remain secret.. remember "Deep Throat"

Unfair Situations

I recently met a person who has had a lot of 'challenges' in their lives. The economic issues have led to significant health challengs.

It is a striking example how economics drives all. I believe our health care system; justice system; and so many other issues in our society are 'driven' by economic issues.

We need to continue to work towards a more equal/egalitarian world.

Omar Khadr Again

Heard our right wing talk show hosts again today making intellectual leapfrogs to justify our government's decision to try to stay court order that the government repatriate a Canadian citizen from Guatanamo.

Heard several well informed callers trying to make point that our Charter of Rights and Freedoms overrides government policies. Our courts (made up of qualified jurists) only interprets our laws.. not interfering with foreign policy-making.

The longer our government resists the inevitable repatriation of this Canadian, the more desperate it and its supporters looks....

The Times They Are a Changing

Well folks are getting more and more mobile these days. I tend to live a life which includes lots of 'running around'.. well more accurately lots of driving around. Operating an income tax preparation business; working part time for various charities; doing lots of visiting as a volunteer.

I have decided to improve my 'technological' capacity to doing all this stuff!! I have been thinking of starting to use a 'netbook' computer.. well I have... early indications are it will be quite an improvement over the previous notebook...

Of course like all things technological.. this will be obsolete in a matter of months ((:-))

Canadian Election Speculation

Lots of media commentary the last few days about a fall federal election in Canada. They are expensive and a bother.. but I think they are the highest level of expression in a democracy. It forces the competing political parties to clearly lay out their vision for our country.

Some Say Recession is Over.. Who are They Kidding

Some economists and are statistics reporting agency are saying the recession in Canada is over. I suggest they should tell that to those who cannot find work; or who have been laid off. Tell it to those who fear asking for credit as they don't feel they will get it. Tell it to those who are choosing to skip medication; or to skimp on food so they can pay rent.

Let's home our wealthier group of people understand that until we have close to full employment, many will find it hard to understand the so-called 'end' of the recession.

Protectionism Hits Both Ways

I hear there are lots of 'cries' in our country against a 'Buy American' policy in the US. Yet we have agricultural marketing boards and the Canadian Wheat board.

Also I think that lots of developed countries have trade barriers against the free flow of goods from the developing world.

Isn't it a case sometimes, of the pot calling the kettle black??

Recession and Health

Heard today the Canadian Medical Association says some Canadians particularly those on low incomes are skipping medications to save money.

Duh... what do they expect. Of course when times are tough people make choices. Isn't that a nature of society.

REgardless of the causes of the recession or economic downturn it concerns me when relatively well off members of our society bemoan those less well off for making normal decision on how they allocate scarce resources. Maybe if our physicians supported pharmacare and prescribed only generic medications wherever possible then lower income residents would not have to make such choices.

I recently met a person whose has huge economic challenges (skips meals regularly to pay rent and is forced to eat lots of pasta rather than fresh vegetables and fruit which are too expensive) caused by a woefully inadequate safety net in our province. I suppose the Canadian Medical Association (and like organizations) will bemoan people like her making these choices.

Maybe if we believed in (and had) a more egalitarian society people would not be forced to make choices like the ones mentioned by the CMA. Maybe in federal and provincial authorities were not so paranoid about raising taxes, we could create a more caring country.

It Has To Be Done

YOu know I want to talk about another 'sometimes we try to avoid topic'. My spouse and I are both in our 60's. We are both quite healthy and look forward to a long life together with many many years remaining.

Yet the reality is we are all mortal 'creatures'. Invariably our lives will end at some point. We have come to believe we should make some type of final arrangements for ourselves. The need for pre-arranged final plans hit us 'right in the head' when we lost our daughter in 2006. We 'flew by the seat of our pants' in making arrangements.

Today we continue our exploration of all options for final arrangements.

We were both shocked and a little bemused to two friends' comments on this issue. One told me they had made no arrangements (the friend is 2 years older than I am). The other who is over 10 years older said they had made no arrangements as they were not planning on being at their own funeral.

It is an unpleasant situation to contemplate but we know it has to be done....

ideologically-based politics

Saw good example why many Canadians have difficulty supporting a party like the NDP. At their convention which I watched on the parliamentary channele yesterday, many delegates indicated outright opposition to public-private partnerships (3P). In most cases they were focussing on 3P in the health sector. Much of that opposition makes sense to me. A 3P health project invariably means government re-allocates money to support these projects and may mean a shift AWAY from other government priorities be they health care, education, transportation etc. In theory I believe 3P is 'bad' for essential government services.

But the reality is there are so many legitimate demands for public services in Canada. Even provincial NDP governments have engaged in 3P projects (mind you they might be 'at pains' not to call them 3P). I remember when I worked in Saskatchewan, legislation was introduced by my department authorizing 'transportation partnerships' whereby government and 'other persons' (meaning companies) could jointly fund road development.

The outright condemnation of the concept demonstrates what I would call an 'immature' attitude by some of the delegates I saw speak at the convention.

It reminds me of some of the attitudes I frequently hear from our current federal government supporters. Blanket condemnations of government's role in our economy, the attitude towards immigrants, and other disadvantaged groups also are 'immature' statements and reflect ideologically-based views.

Whichever party makes Canadians feel it is pragmatic and willing to compromise, is the party that will inevitably succeed in our federal political scene.

It's Now Over and Past

Wow..,. over 80 friends and family attended our local celebration of our 40th anniversary this afternoon... it was so nice seeing some very dear friends, colleagues from several nonprofits; many of my business clients; and especially my inlaws who came in from Kingston just to be with us.

The good feelings were prevalent all the time.

Our 40th wedding anniversary is now past.. but the memories of the two events; last week in REgina; and this week in Ottawa will remain for a long time.

Anniversary

Well today close to 100 (we hope) friends and acquaintances will join us to celebrate our recent 40th anniversary. IT is the highlight of our weekend.

Upcoming weekend

supposed to be hot this weekend.. maybe our first hot weekend of the summer of 2009.

It's the 40th anniversary of Woodstock this weekend...so much happened in 1969.. the end of an exciting decade, not the least of which was our marriage in August of that year.

We had our first anniversary celebration last weekend in Regina.. this weekend we're having one here in Ottawa.

Then on Sunday I am taking a brand new 60 year old friend (and client) to lunch.

Yesterday

Uneventful trip home. Saved huge taxi fare as close friend picked us up at airport.

Now finalizing plans for anniversary event at home location.

Found out yesterday about new (well not really new as I have done it for several years) part time jobs starting at end of month. Will be once again working up to 16 hours a week for the Diabetes Association in September. Job is to 'telerecruit' canvassers for their November residential campaign. I know a number of folks with diabetes and it's such a life altering condition. Their November campaign is most important to raise funds for their advocacy and public awareness raising work.

Weather on our return to Ottawa was more typical of Ottawa weather in the summer.......hot and humid.

Today and tomorrow... amongst other things resuming some of my volunteer visits to people.

Farewell Again and Hello Again

Had a nice time on our last full day in Saskatchewan. Day concluded with a nice get together with close friends.. including one guy whom I met almost 40 years ago.. our longest Saskatchewan friend.

Today we return to 'home base'.. in Ottawa...lots of stuff to keep me busy for the rest of the month and beyond.

Monday

Spent some time yesterday seeing (once again) the Saskatchewan Science Centre. Even though he has gone there many many times, our 11 year old still finds new stuff there.. and our 6 year old loves to run around it. THe facility is now 20 years old but still manages to have new displays whenever we are there.

Today is our last full day in Saskatchewan.. spending time with grandsons (of course) our daughter and fiance (of course); and final hours this evening informally with available friends at local 'watering' place.

Goings On

Spent a few minutes at Regina Folk Festival today.. would have spent longer if my best friend and grandson were willing to stay longer.. but that's what relationships are all about.. right??

Otherwise had a six year old tour guide to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.. you know I've never had such a quick tour of any facility...lots of fun

Helping our 20's something daughter finish a move this evening... have to run

40 Years Together.. It Can Be Done

Forty years ago today at about 3:00 PM local time I married my best friend. A lot has happened over the 40 years. We moved 3000 km. within a month of our marriage to start a life in Saskatchewan. We lived in Saskatoon for two years doing postgraduate work in political science. We met several friends one of whom is still a close friend who will be joining us in our celebration today.

In late 1971 we moved to Regina to begin a provincial government career which lasted nearly 30 years. We lived in apartments first but then bought our first home in 1975. We tended to move (some might say way too much) frequently during our Regina tenure. But all of them we could justify for our own reasons.

We started a family in the early 1980's and had all the normal (and some might say too many) challeges as parents. Both our girls gave us lots of pleasures and lots of headaches. On balance though parenthood is good. Our older daughter had a tough life which tragically ended all too soon at a young age. Our younger daughter who has also had difficult issues to deal with has become an aspiring mature young woman who is extremely confident in her dealings with work, family, and friends.

We are now the grandparents of 3 boys and just found out yesterday we have another grandson on the way.

My best friend and I are believers in helping others in our community. My best friend was an active guide leader in the 1980's. I was active in many non-government organizations in the 1970's; 1980's; and 1990's. Several of the people I met during those days have remained friends or have been 'rediscovered' through the wonders of facebook ((:-)).

40 years is a time to look both backwards and forwards. We are both happy at this stage of life's journey.

How did we get through 40 years? 'Acceptance' is the key. One always has to acknowledge the 'wants' of the other. One accepts that one does NOT always get one's way. One 'defers' in many many cases to the wishes of the other. Acceptance is a mutual two way 'street'. This is how it's done everyone!

life's going on

Well.. found out today I'll be a four time grandpa with four grandsons sometime in late December....you know it's amazing... just three days ago my Aunt who was nearly 85 passed away in Vancouver. Then just a little over 72 hours later we hear word about a life yet to begin. "The Circle of Life" to quote a movie of some 15 years ago.

Spent another several enjoyable hours with grandsons again.

tomorrow's the day.. our 40th wedding anniversary....

You've Got to Be Careful What you Put on Facebook

In my earlier blog today I talked about how one of the things I was doing in Regina today was visiting the gravesite of our older daughter who passed away three years ago this month. I mentioned this point in my 'status' on facebook.. well I got lots of 'condolence/memorial' type of comments. Very thoughtful of those friends making those comments but I am not in a 'condolence' mood at all. Our daughter was a part of and always will be a part of our lives. But I personally believe a lifespan has discrete parts...

And one more thing

Our daughter and her fiance are now thinking of an August long weekend wedding next summer. A wonderful reason to come back to Saskatchewan.

Hi from Out West

Flew to Regina yesterday. Spent several hours with our 20's something daughter and her fiance. Seem like a grand couple. Saw her current place (she's moving elsewhere in a few days).

Spent about 2-3 hours with two young gentlemen.. our 11 and 6 year old grandsons. It's wonderful to see these two guys every year or so. Watching them grow is an exciting experience for a grandparent. OUr 11 year is now as tall as his grandmother and will likely pass me in the next couple of years. Our 6 year old grandson is looking like a smart young man.. missing a tooth or two but that's expected of a six year old.

We do have another grandson (six this month) who we're unsure if we will be seeing at all this trip.

The most significant reason for the trip is occurring on Saturday. That day marks the 40th anniversary our wedding. About 50 of our close family and friends will be celebrating with us. We spent 31 of the 40 years in Regina (+2 in Saskatoon) so we thought it right to mark our actual anniversary date with people we think so highly of.

Today we have a sad event. Many of our friends know that three years ago we had a tragedy in our family.. our then 27 year old daughter passed away. Today we make our 'every visit' to her gravesite to remember her.

One Day Left

Last full day before trip out west ....lots of 'running around' but hey.. that is normal.....

Looking at weathernetwork website... seems like it will be cooler in Saskatchewan...but that's normal too.

Heard radio item this morning about Nixon resignation 35 years ago this week. That was a time when power did corrupt.

Hope to put up regular entries during next week

Aw Gee!!

there was a song some time ago about "When I woke up this morning... you were on my mind..."... well today we 'woke up this morning.. and rain was on our mind'. After lots of expectations we would have nice weather this weekend... well the summer of 2009 returned to normal.. rainy most of the day.. what a bummer.

Doesn't look like much outdoor activity.

Terrible news item about shooting in Tel Aviv at a gay establishment. When will people understand it's ok to have different sexual orientation. Peoples all over the world need to become more accepting of other lifestyles. My only restriction on that would be no one's lifestyle should violate another's basic human rights.

I fail to see how a gay lifestyle violates any other person's human rights. So I join in the strong condemnation of homophobia whenever it raises its 'ugly head'....