Your elected Members of Parliament at work

These are your Members of Parliament at work.  I don't recognize any of these MP's, but I do know if they work for six years, they get a pension of $28,000 a year. I know most work very hard and the travel to and from Ottawa is a drag.   I wish I had a job I could sleep at.

They could be watching Netflix.

I wish I knew what she is reading 

Writing letters to the grand kids!

The newspaper must be very boring.

Looks like she brought a blanket!

They need head rests for their chairs.

My mother taught me to cover my mouth.  I hope it's not fly season,

I never complain about the salary of our Prime Minister.  If you think he's overpaid, think again.  If he/she was in the private sector as a CEO or executive, he'd be making at least $1 Million, plus bonus's and stock options! 

Here are the salaries of our elected officials:

Title	Additional Salary	Total Salary
Member of Parliament		$167,400
Prime Minister*	$167,400	$334,800
Speaker*	$ 80,100	$247,500
Leader of the Opposition*	$ 80,100	$247,500

Gorgeous Vancouver winter!

I woke up this morning and saw this posted on Facebook from a cousin in Ebenezer, Saskatchewan
She put on her post -40C and I'm going back to bed.  I would too!

I spoke to Nancy yesterday and she was planning on walking White Rock Beach!

Such a gorgeous morning to walk.
Lots of people taking advantage of this gorgeous weather

Nancy on Marine Drive

Because of the storm damage, you can't walk on East Beach.  It's completely fenced off!  We could only get to the museum and had to turn around.  I feel sorry for the businesses in White Rock because of the lack of parking and storm damage.  They are all suffering.  Parking is free before 10AM if you want an early walk.  We've been down on weekends and parking is very difficult but today was easy.

It's nice to see they are making upgrades over the railway tracks.

White Rock Museum, formerly the train station

I took this picture two weeks ago in Carol's neighbourhood
I've been trying to find daffodils in bloom but there are none in Surrey

Food Safety

I see a lot of information online about food safety. Some things I wonder about, but the information below was sent from a cruise friend in Texas. I will take caution when I read labels from now on. I always try to buy "Canadian". Many of our fruits and vegetables have the "Grown in BC label.  However, I didn't realize if packaged in Canada, it may not originate here. I'll be more careful in the future. Some of these items are only available in the US, but lots are available here:

FOOD FROM CHINA
Smithfield Farms, the largest pork producing farm in the USA was sold in September to China with the unanimous support of its stockholders!! The hogs will still be raised here, but slaughtered and packaged for sale there before being sent back here. This includes labels of

ï• Morrell
ï• Eckric
ï• Krakus
ï• Cudahy
ï• Premium Hams
ï• Cook's
ï• Gwaltney    We rarely eat pork

The same with many chickens. They can now be shipped there, but when they come back all that needs to be labeled is that they WERE RAISED IN THE USA. Not that they were processed in China!  I just checked my Foster Farms chicken purchased at Costco, Bellingham and it says, "hatched, raised and harvested in the USA"!

Our great FDA at work again. The chickens will be all processed and most sold to fast food restaurants for sandwiches, along with schools and supermarkets. The China slaughter and processing are not nearly equal to the requirements here.

*BAD FOOD*
We recently learned that Starkist Tuna is now owned by Korea, and is in big conflict with the U.S. concerning quality, safety, and records, which Korea refuses to produce.

Read several articles on Google about this, and even one that was defending the eating of tilapia said to avoid the fish that came from China?  I buy fish from a fresh fish market or Costco Kirkland brand.  The bag of cod fillets I have on hand says "Wild caught, product of USA". I'm hoping this is actually from USA waters!

Also, I had just returned home from buying Albertson's 4-day special of 4 bags of frozen tilapia for the price of one? Sure enough, on the top of the bags, it read "farm raised", and on the bottom in small print it said, "China". I wouldn't care where tilapia came from, it's a bottom feeder that is found in shallow water.

In general, farm raised fish should not be eaten because of the high concentration of antibiotics they are fed to prevent diseases due to being tightly confined with other fish. Buy wild caught fish from North America, Hawaii or New Zealand.

Read all the way to the end...

Recently a Food inspector on TV...said he had lived overseas and he had seen the filthy conditions their foods are raised and processed in. It is enough to make you throw up. Some foreign workers have to wear masks as they work in these places, because the food is so rotten and filthy, it makes them want to throw up. Many of their fish on Fish Farms are fed raw sewage daily. He said he has seen so much filth throughout their food growing and processing that he would "never" eat any of it. They raise this filth, put some food coloring and some flavorings on it, then they ship it to the USA & Canada for YOU to consume and feed to YOUR families. They have no Food & Safety Inspectors. They ship it to you to buy and poison your families and friends.

Imported food we eat and the junk we buy:

ï• Green Giant frozen vegetables are from China,  We only eat fresh vegetables. 
ï• and so are most of Europe's Best.
ï• Arctic Gardens are OK so is Birdseye.

*Never buy the grocery store garlic unless it is clearly marked from USA or Canada*, the other stuff is grown in people poop (even worse than chicken poop). China is the largest producer of garlic in the world; U.S. is next. I was told white garlic has been bleached by a shopper!  I picked up the local garlic that was much more expensive and much darker.  I never even looked to see where the white garlic game from.

*Buy only local honey*, much honey is shipped in huge containers from China and re-packed here. I love the going to the honey farm.  I buy it by the bucket now!  

Cold-FX is grown and packed in China and is full of fecal bacteria. Doesn't work anyway, big scam.

If the country of origin is not clearly marked, beware!

If produce, ask an employee. Produce in Canadian supermarkets is always clearly marked.

Watch out for packages which state "prepared for", "packed by" or "imported by". We don't understand the lack of mandatory labeling, especially the produce.

The country of origin should be clearly shown on the item in the store.

Go to the local farmers' markets in season and keep a wary eye open the rest of the year.  Mary's Garden will open in late May. Until then I'll go to the other farmers markets.  They all show where the produce is from and I always buy BC whenever it's available, no matter what the price!

Please read this very carefully, and read to the very bottom. It's important for all of us.

How is it possible to ship food from China cheaper than having it produced in the U. S. or Canada?

FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN 'FROM CHINA '. - SO, for a FEW MORE CENTS, BUY THE *LIBERTY* BRAND.

*GOLD BRAND or DOLE is from CALIFORNIA*.

Beware, Costco sells canned peaches and pears in a plastic jar that come from China ..

ALL "HIGH LINER" AND MOST OTHER FROZEN FISH PRODUCTS COME FROM CHINA OR INDONESIA. THE PACKAGE MAY SAY "PACIFIC SALMON" ON THE FRONT, BUT LOOK FOR THE SMALL PRINT. MOST OF THESE PRODUCTS COME FROM FISH FARMS IN THE ORIENT WHERE THERE ARE NO REGULATIONS ON WHAT IS FED TO THESE FISH.

*Recently The Montreal Gazette had an article* by the Canadian Government on how Chinese feed the fish: They suspend chicken wire crates over the fish ponds, and the fish feed on chicken poop.

If you search the internet about what the Chinese feed their fish, you'll be alarmed ; e.g: growth hormones, expired antibiotic from humans? Never buy any type of fish or shellfish that comes from these countries

ï• Vietnam
ï• China
ï• Philippines

Check this out personally.

Steinfeld's Pickles are made in India - just as bad! This is news to me!!!

Another example is in canned mushrooms. No-Name brand came from Indonesia. I always buy fresh

Also check those little fruit cups. They used to be made in Canada in the Niagara region until about 2 years ago. They are now packaged in China. Most sold in Aldi stores.

While the Chinese export inferior and even toxic products, dangerous toys, and goods to be sold in North American markets, the media wrings its hands! Yet, 70% of North Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended.

Well, duh ! Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges?

SIMPLY DO IT YOURSELF, CANADA and the UNITED STATES.

Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong), simply choose another product, or none at all. 

Smart Aleck Answers

I admire people who come up with quick smart aleck remarks.  My mom was really good at this!  I remember I was about 6 years old and we went to the Safeway near Joyce and Kingsway.  It was the old small Safeway with about three cashiers.  After school high school boys would bag or box your groceries.  My dad drove us and was waiting in the car.

The Safeway cashier said to my mom "box lady"?
my mom answered "I only wrestle".
The entire front of the store burst out in laughter!

Here are more, but not from my family:

SMART ALECK ANSWER #6
It was mealtime during an airline flight.
'Would you like dinner?',the flight attendant asked John, seated in front.
'What are my choices?' John asked.
'Yes or no,' she replied.

SMART ALECK ANSWER #5
A flight attendant was stationed at the departure gate to check tickets. As a man approached, she extended her hand for the ticket and he opened his trench coat and flashed her.
Without missing a beat, she said, 'Sir, I need to see your ticket, not your stub.'

SMART ALECK ANSWER #4
A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store but she couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, ' Do these turkeys get any bigger?'
The stock boy replied, 'No ma'am, they're dead...'

SMART ALECK ANSWER #3
The police officer got out of his car as the kid who was stopped for speeding rolled down his window. 'I've been waiting for you all day,' the officer said.
The kid replied, 'Yeah, well I got here as fast as I could.'
When the cop finally stopped laughing, he sent the kid on his way without a ticket.

SMART ALECK ANSWER #2
A truck driver was driving along on the freeway and noticed a sign that read: Low Bridge Ahead. Before he knows it, the bridge is right in front of him and his truck gets wedged under it. Cars are backed up for miles.
Finally a police car comes up. The cop gets out of his car and walks to the truck driver, puts his hands on his hips and says, 'Got stuck, huh?'
The truck driver says, 'No, I was delivering this bridge and I ran out of gas.'

SMART ALECK ANSWER OF THE YEAR
A college teacher reminds her class of tomorrow's final exam. 'Now class, I won't tolerate any excuses for you not being here tomorrow.

I might consider a nuclear attack or a serious personal injury, illness, or a death in your immediate family, but that's it, no other excuses whatsoever!'
A smart-aleck student in the back of the room raised his hand and asked, 'What would you say if tomorrow I said I was suffering from complete and utter sexual exhaustion?'
The entire class is reduced to laughter and snickering. When silence was restored, the teacher smiled knowingly at the student, shook her head and sweetly said, 'Well, I guess you'd have to write the exam with your other hand.'

Some interesting signs, notices and headlines

-Did I read that sign right? 

"TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW

In a London department store: 

BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS..

In an office: 

WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN

In an office: 

AFTER TEA BREAK, STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD

Outside a second-hand shop: 

WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Notice in health food shop window: 

CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS...

Spotted in a safari park:   
(I sure hope so.) ELEPHANTS, PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR.

Seen during a conference: 

FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR.

Notice in a farmer's field: 

THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES.

Message on a leaflet:

IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSO

On a repair shop door:

WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN'T WORK.)

Proofreading is a dying art, wouldn't you say--------------------- 

Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife And Daughter:

This one I caught in the SGV Tribune the other day and called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this.

It took two or three readings before the editor realized that what he was reading was impossible!!!

They put in a correction the next day.

Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says

Really?   Ya' think--------------

Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalker:

Now that's taking things a bit far!

Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over:

What a guy!   

 Miners Refuse to Work after Death:

No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's!

Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant:

See if that works better than a fair trial!

War Dims Hope for Peace

I can see where it might have that effect!

If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile.....Ya' think?!

Cold Wave Linked to Temperature:

Who would have thought------------- 

Enfield ( London ) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide

They may be on to something!

Red Tape Holds Up New Bridge:

You mean there's something stronger than duct tape?  

 
Man Struck By Lightning:  Faces Battery Charge:

He probably IS the battery charge:

New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group:

Weren't they fat enough?!

Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft

That's what he gets for eating those beans

Kids Make Nutritious Snacks

Do they taste like chicken?

Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half:

Chainsaw Massacre all over again!

Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors

Boy, are they tall!

And the winner is.

.Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

Did I read that right?

Royal Garden Party & American Girl of the Year 2019

I took this picture during the Royal Garden Party I attended on June 1, 2017

This isn't me, but some lucky people who were chosen to meet Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip

If you are a Canadian citizen and planning on going to the UK this summer, applications for The Royal Garden Parties are being accepted until February 8th.  There are four garden parties, three at Buckingham Palace in London and one at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.  Information on how to apply can be found at:
Royal Garden Events

If you want to see my blog when I attended a Royal Garden Party, go to my first post on this blog.  It was a day I will never forget!  You only get to attend once in a lifetime.  There are also tickets available throughout the year for other Royal Events.

Blair Wilson is American Girl's 2019 Girl of the year

Lexie is on semester break.  It was obvious from our trip downtown, lots of high school children were enjoying the nice winter weather we are experiencing as buses and skytrain were busy.  Lexie asked if I would buy her the 2019 American Girl of the Year doll for her upcoming birthday and of course, today I did.  We went to Indigo in Vancouver.

The first Girl of the Year launched in 2001, and every one is meant to represent and celebrate today’s girls. The American Girl goal is to create a friend who is both relatable and inspirational.  Lexie has every girl of the year since she started collecting them.  I can't remember how old she was when she received her first AG doll, but she enjoys her dolls and takes very good care of them.

Every doll is chosen from a girl/young woman in American history.  She has clothes that match her time period and a book that explains her life.  The characters they chose are inspiring to girls.  The box includes a novel for the girls to read so they know the story of the doll. They've made movies about these dolls also that are shown on TV.

Blaire Wilson, the 2019 doll of the year, is a character from this decade. She lives on a farm in the state of New York and they are planning a wedding.  She has red hair and green eyes.  Like many girls today, Blaire loves watching cooking shows and spending time with her mom in the kitchen. She looks for inspiration online and saves her favourite decorating and cooking ideas. Like many of us, she’s learning balance between time on a tablet and real-life connections.

As with each previous Girl of the Year, American Girl staff of editors and product designers extensively researched and carefully curated Blaire and her world. Because the goal is to provide an authentic and accurate story for each character, they consulted with outside advisors knowledgeable about the challenges Blaire faces.

They have an excellent marketing team.  Each doll comes with accessories, at a price!  Blaire has a farm!  The accessories and additional clothes are expensive!  These dolls are available in the US at American Girl stores and in Canada two Indigo stores have an American Girl section, one in Vancouver and one in Toronto.  Before they sold American Girl in Canada, we took Lexie to Seattle to see the American Girl store at Lynnwood Mall in Seattle.  It was impressive and has a cafe.  Cec is still complaining on what we paid for lunch!   However, Lexie loved it and her doll had a high chair at the lunch table.  The napkin rings were pony tail elastics.

Just a few of the accessories available for Blaire!
There is a purse, a cell phone, a tablet, memo pad and looks like notes or stickers.
This is one package and costs $30.00!

Dogs are man's best friend

So seriously - this stuff melts?

And if you touch the left side of my nose..

Right, and I'm suppose to smile at the camera with him here

 

Yup - If you wait I can get ya a lab report

 

 

Dog Wisdom

n Dog Wisdom  If you ever had a dog, you'll understand.................. ..