Santa Claus House, Fairbanks, Alaska

My Santa Letter Writing friend Carol, told us today at the Post Office about her trip to Santa's House in Alaska when they visited Denali.

From the website:

Since 1952, Santa Claus House has put smiles on the faces of millions of visitors from all over the world.

Inside the world famous Santa Claus House you'll find the perfect gift or keepsake for all ages and occasions. Browse an amazing assortment of Christmas decor and ornaments, exclusive North Pole apparel, collectibles, made in Alaska items, as well as a selection of unique toys. Be sure to ask about the Original Letter from Santa while you're here.

Enjoy a delicious piece of fudge, coffee, cookies, chocolates, or candy from The Sweet Shop while you browse, and remember to bring your camera for some memorable photos. A variety of unique photo opportunities and special displays are available throughout the building. Of course, don't forget to have your picture taken with the jolly man himself.

Outside, have a seat in Santa's sleigh, which is parked just in front of the World's Largest Santa - a larger-than-life three dimensional Santa statue standing nearly 50 feet tall. A variety of murals and exciting display windows adorn the front of the building, and other great surprises abound across the property.

After you've selected the perfect gift, mail your cards and letters to friends and family back home from right here at Santa Claus House to receive a genuine North Pole postmark.Don't forget to visit with Santa's Reindeer Team before you leave.



If you are going to visit Alaska:

2019 Hours of Operation 

January 1 - May 12

Daily 10 am - 6 pm*

*Exceptions:
Closed January 1, 2, 3
Closed Easter Sunday (April 21)

May 13 - September 15
Daily 9 am - 8 pm

September 16 - December 31
Daily 10 am - 6 pm*

*Exceptions:
November 27: 10-5
Closed Thanksgiving Day (November 28)
December 24: 10-5
Closed December 25, 26, 27
December 31: 10-5

Carol said it was a great place to visit.  So, if you are in the Fairbanks area, you can plan a visit.  It's commercialized and if you want a letter from Santa, be prepared to pay for it.  It's not free like in Canada, but it does get post marked "North Pole"

If you want to order anything:

Santa Letters from North Pole, Alaska

Rocketman

Last night Laurie and I went to the Bell Center in Surrey to see Rocketman, a tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel starring Ryan Langevin.  Backed by a full live band and two fantastic dancer.  He is a local performer and I've never seen him before.  The concert was excellent!

I've never seen him before, but he's performed at the following:

Some performance highlights for The Rocket Man include The TD Concert on The Pier in White Rock for over 5000 people, The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), The Harmony Arts Festival, The River Rock Show Theatre, The Kelowna Community Theatre, The Port Alberni Performing Arts Centre, The Hard Rock Casino in Vancouver, The Massey Theatre in New Westminster, the Langley Canada Day Celebrations for a crowd of over 5000, sold-out shows at Prairieland Park Hall in Saskatoon, Evraz Place in Regina, The Bell Centre For Performing Arts, Northlands Park in Edmonton, The Vernon Performing Arts Centre & more!

The first half was Billy Joel.
He was a wonderful pianist.

After the break, out came Elton John!

We had a scare!

My husband of 52 years checks our bank balance and my credit card purchases every day.  I think it's a little weird.  On Canadian Thanksgiving Monday we were "locked" out of our online banking.  On Tuesday morning I tried again and we still couldn't get on.  There was a 1-800 number to call but being cautions we walked over to our branch and talked to the teller.  She called Royal Bank Security who asked if we wire transferred $3,750.00 on Monday.  We didn't and thank you RBC Security for freezing our account and not transferring the money.  We change our user name, passwords and security questions. 

Yesterday morning when Cec checked our accounts he said "someone transferred $8,000.00 into my checking account"!  I said, it's obviously a bank error and went upstairs.  In checking his account on Monday someone transferred $2,000.00 out and there was a $13.50 service charge.  We called the number on the back of the debit card.  The $8,000 was taken out of our savings account and put in his chequing account.  The bank transferred the $8,000.00 back into the savings account.  He secured our savings account so any transfers must be done in person. 

Our call was transferred to RBC Security when they asked us the normal questions.   We never answer an email text or give out our information.  No one has accessed our computers.  We use secured computers and I do not have the bank app on my mobile phone.   I never use my debit card.  We told him our user names and security questions were just changed, at the branch on October 15th.  He traced the $2,000.00 wire transfer and it went to Istanbul, Turkey.  We don't know anyone in Istanbul and no, we didn't transfer it.  He asked how long we dealt with the Royal Bank.  We couldn't remember the year but it was in the late 60's when we got married.  We've had accounts in Vancouver, No. 3 Road and in Steveston.  With the changes in banking, our accounts are still in Steveston but we deal at the branch close to us.   We are long time customers of the Royal Bank.

The great guy at RBC Security came back and said "it was accessed through your Shaw account".  We've paid our Shaw bill by bank debit for years!  I have no idea how they know this, but I assume it's happened to others.  So if anyone else has their Shaw Cable bill debited out of their chequing account, change it immediately!  Our accounts are frozen and our computer is going into Microsoft at Metrotown tomorrow to make sure there is no virus's or malware.  We did all the scans and security updates in mid-October. 

RBC said the $2,000 will be put back in our account in about ten days.  I assume they were going to transfer the $8,000 out yesterday. 

I will never complain about my husband checking our bank accounts daily.   On Friday while checking our accounts he said, "I just paid your Master Card and it's already $480.00".  "What have you been doing?"  I said, "I paid Sirius radio, went to Costco and the liquor store.  Get a grip!"  He laughed.  I'm glad he also watches my credit cards as they have been compromised before.  I thought he was just being a pain!  Boy, was I wrong.

I remember the days when pay day came and I was happy I wasn't in my overdraft!  Now I need to worry about this!

B C Hospital Parking

Hospitals are free, however parking is costly.   During the NDP’s weekend convention in Victoria, delegates called on the province to eliminate parking fees for patients and families. They asked that this be done in an evidence-based way to prevent abuse by those who are not patients or family members, such as people working or visiting other locations near hospitals.

A resolution passed by delegates called hospital parking fees “a hardship during some of the most stressful moments in a family’s life.” It said they “give private companies the chance to profit from parking violations incurred by sick or grieving people using a publicly run service.”

Jon Buss, founder and lead volunteer of HospitalPayParking.ca, reports that B.C. collected a whopping $36,388,000. Last year, the province collected $34,441,000, which was $1,947,000 less than this year. As such, the province saw a 5.65% increase over the previous year, which Buss notes is well above the rate of inflation.

That's in parking fees, however my cousin Laurie visits her mom at Laurel Place close to Surrey Hospital and it has the same parking costs.  Look at the cost of one hour.  The TAX is 30%.  This is disgusting!

B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix says the elimination of hospital parking fees is a complicated issue that he is reviewing with Premier John Horgan. But he’s not promising any action.

Another promise on the back burner!

Laundry care

 I've often wondered what these meant:

 
I spent most of yesterday answering Letters sent to Santa.  10% of the letters are unanswerable.  Quite a few were just scribble, no name and no return address.  Other's were great letters, but again no return address.  Many either leave out of the postal code or it doesn't make sense.  We take time to look every address and postal code up so it gets sent to the right address.  It's very disheartening parents don't take the time to check their child's letter to make sure we can reply.  If you know of any children that are writing letters or sending artwork to Santa, please make sure we get their name, full address and postal code.

Get a job you love!

I am very proud of my son-in-law.  When he changed jobs a few years ago, he followed his passion.  He's always been a foodie and loves to cook.  He loves to pair wine and enjoys a good glass of scotch.   Our government liquor stores are difficult to get employment.  He had a good education but no work retail experience so he started stocking shelves, part-time!  He said "it's a great workout".  He worked into full-time and became a Product Consultant.

Now's he's a contributing member of Taste Magazine.  The magazine is in BC Government Liquor Stores now.  We went to the BC Liquor Store in Cloverdale but they were all out!  Here is the online link:

Taste Magazine - Christmas Edition

Walking on the grass

The room was full of pregnant women with their husbands.  The instructor
said, "Ladies, remember that exercise is good for you.   Walking is
especially beneficial. It strengthens the pelvic muscles and will make
delivery that much easier. Just pace yourself, make plenty of stops and try
to stay on a soft surface like grass or a path."

"Gentlemen, remember -- you're in this together. It wouldn't hurt you to
go walking with her. In fact, that shared experience would be good for you
both."

The room suddenly became very quiet as the men absorbed this information.
After a few moments a man, name unknown, at the back of the room, slowly
raised his hand.

"Yes?" said the Instructor.

"I was just wondering if it would be all right, if she carries a golf bag
while we walk?"

I got paid!

I finally received my pay from working the Advanced Election.  I trained for a Deputy Returning Officer, but actually worked as a Poll Clerk.  I got paid for training and stand by as a DRO but when I worked as a Poll Clerk, I was paid that wage.  For everyone who is interested in this big bucks job:

Pay for Deputy Returning Officer:             $18.11 per hour
Pay for Poll Clerk                                      $16.50 per hour

Those Elections Canada jobs are not the least or most pay.  There is no provision for overtime after eight hours, as is the case in this province.  I got the flat rate for my 14 hour days.

Net pay for 2 - 14 hour full days and 1 part day 7 hours:  $688.10

They took off a small amount for income tax and employment insurance.  I believe when Cheryl files my taxes I get my employment insurance back as I'm over 65, but maybe not.  For $11.84, I won't lose any sleep.

I didn't do it for the money and I will say I enjoyed the job.  While exhausting, it was a great experience to see people exercising their right to vote.  We met so many people who voted for the first time.  Some were new immigrants and we congratulated them.  Some first time voters were in their middle years and sounded like they were born here.  We didn't judge anyone out right, but I wondered what the hell they did in all the other elections!   My favorite was the middle aged lady who loudly asked "why isn't Andrew Sheer on the ballot".  She didn't have an accent and again, was she born and schooled here?  We signed an oath and I kept my rude comments in my head.  My colleague did an excellent job of explaining our Canadian Election system.

I wish they would lower the voting age to 16.  If children can drive at 16, they should be able to vote.  Social Studies classes should encourage teenagers to vote.  I'm sure if they started voting in their teens and understood how important it is, they would continue to vote for the rest of their life.

I've always voted.  Sometimes I hold my nose, other times I am happy with the candidate.  When Jody was close by, we would go to the all-candidates meetings.  I wanted to go to one this time, but no one was interested and three of them I was already busy.

I admire anyone who runs for politics.  It's isn't an easy job.  Yes, they get a good pension, but they give up a lot in their personal life.

Spontaneous remarks

These great questions and answers are from the days when “Hollywood Squares” game show responses were spontaneous, not scripted, as they are now .... I wish Hollywood Squares would come out in reruns.

Q. Do female frogs croak?
A. Paul Lynde: If you hold their little heads under water long enough.

Q. If you're going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be?
A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.

Q. True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years...
A. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.

Q . Paul, what is a good reason for pounding meat?
A. Paul Lynde: Loneliness! (The audience laughed so long and so hard it took up almost 15 minutes of the show!)

Q. You've been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?
A. Don Knotts: That's what's been keeping me awake.

Q. According to Cosmopolitan, if you meet a stranger at a party and you think that he is attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he's married?
A. Rose Marie: No, wait until morning.

Q. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older?
A. Charley Weaver: My sense of decency..

Q. What are 'Do It,' 'I Can Help,' and 'I Can't Get Enough'?
A. George Gobel: I don't know, but it's coming from the next apartment.

Q. As you grow older, do you tend to gesture more or less with your hands while talking?
A. Rose Marie: You ask me one more growing old question Peter, and I'll give you a gesture you'll never forget.

Q. Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather?
A. Paul Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.

Q. Charley, you've just decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during the first year?
A, Charley Weaver: Of course not, I'm too busy growing strawberries.

Q. In bowling, what's a perfect score?
A. Rose Marie: Ralph, the pin boy.

Q. During a tornado, are you safer in the bedroom or in the closet?
A. Rose Marie: Unfortunately Peter, I'm always safe in the bedroom.

Q. Can boys join the Camp Fire Girls?
A. Marty Allen: Only after lights out.

Q. When you pat a dog on its head he will wag his tail. What will a goose do?
A. Paul Lynde: Make him bark?

Q. If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to?
A. Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark..

Q. According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people?
A. Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army.

Q. Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish on his head, what was he trying to do?
A. George Gobel: Get it in his mouth.

Q. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions. What are they?
A. Charley Weaver: His feet.

Q. According to Ann Landers, what are two things you should never do in bed?
A. Paul Lynde: Point and laugh

December 2019

Interesting:

It's about time!

When parents bring a baby home from the hospital, they have a government approved baby car seat.  It's rear facing and the specifications are very strict.  When the child gets a little older, it's a new car seat with very strict specifications.  Car seats don't last long as the specifications keep changing.  Car seat standards are approved by the government and every parent makes sure their car seat meets government standards and their child is secured properly whenever they travel in a vehicle.  Car seats in cars are mandatory until the child is a certain weight or 9 years old in Canada.

When that child reaches the age of five, they are picked up by a school bus with bench seats and not even a seat belt.  If there is an accident, the kids are projected without any protection!   Serious and injuries have happened for years! 

Today in our provincial parliament, a private member has introduced a bill to make three point seat belts mandatory on all new school buses in 2021.

I cannot understand how our government has neglected this for so long!  Let's hope this private members bill is passed by parliament and someone in Ottawa introduces a bill to make it mandatory Canada wide.

I say, it's bloody well time!

Waitress the Musical!

Bailey McCall played Jess at yesterday's performance.  She was awesome!

Yesterday, Carol and I went to the Broadway Across Canada production of Waitress.  I hadn't heard much of this musical but two friends who went earlier this week thought it was wonderful!  We go to the Sunday matinee.  Cheryl and Lexie were there and we all loved it!  The story was very good.  There was a lot of humour and the songs, although we didn't recognize them, were great.  The voices were strong and production was so well done.

A well deserved standing ovation!

Last week in the Peace Arch News, they featured a story of a local girl who landed a role in the play.   As she is so young, they had two little ones sharing the part.  We saw Kate perform.  She lives in Cloverdale and she was adorable!

From the Peace Arch News:
It’s going to be a very busy week for young Surrey-based actor Kate Whiddington.

The five-year-old is one of two Vancouver-area girls chosen to play the role of Lulu in the touring musical Waitress, along with Alice Antoinette Comer.

Kate, a Kindergarten student in Cloverdale, has been acting in commercials since she was nine months old, first in an ad for Huggies diapers. She’s been featured in a handful of commercials, had a reoccurring role on BH90210 and last week shot her first short film.

Waitress, about a diner employee who gives birth to a girl named Lulu, marks Kate’s debut on a Broadway-musical stage.

After the show, we met our husbands at New York, New York, the Greek restaurant close to our home.  Dinner was delicious and we had lots of laughs.  The restaurant was completely booked as Just for Laughs was playing at Bell Performing Arts Center and that's the closest restaurant.  I'm glad I made a reservation or we wouldn't have been able to stay!

What a great way to spend a Sunday!

Letters to Santa

The time has come this year to send letters to Santa.  Last year Canada Post received 1.8 million letters addressed to Santa.  They were forwarded to the North Pole to Santa's elves to reply.  This year they are waiting for the letters so if you know of anyone who wants a reply:

1. Make sure to include your full return address. Santa may know where you live, but his postal elves need this information to deliver your letter!

2. Santa really loves to read about children’s favourite sports, jokes, school activities or family fun (even if Mom and Dad help with the writing). And, of course, he loves to get pictures and drawings from even his youngest pen pals!

3.Send your letter soon. December 10 is the last day to mail letters to Santa (it’s a long way to the North Pole and back!). Letters mailed after December 10 may not receive a reply before Christmas.

4. If you mail in Canada, you don't need to put a stamp on the envelope!
      Santa Claus
      North Pole  HOH OHO
      Canada

Santa told us he's already received 20,000 letters!  The elves are really going to be busy!

Russia and Ukraine

Today I watched the testimony of Ms. Yovanovich.  I will not put any of my thoughts as the impeachment inquiry has more witnesses to hear from.  However, it did hit a chord!  Ms. Yovanovich's parents were born in Russia and fled like my father-in-law.

My husband's father was born in Russia in 1908.  In August 1914, my husband's grandfather was arrested at his home, in front of his wife and three sons.  Cec's father was the oldest child and he never forgot that day.  His grandfather was taken to a prisoner of war camp in Siberia.  We were told by a genealogist in Salt Lake City, he would have been part of the resistance.  For four and half years his grandmother and the children lived off the land.  The youngest son died of small pox.  She had no money for doctors or medicine.  Their life was horrible.  When his grandfather was released they saved and when they could. they moved to Canada. 

Hearing the stories of the suffering and starvation they went through was horrible.  Cec's father warned of the Russians and told us never to go to Russia or trust a Russian.  He never let go of the fear of someone coming to your home and arresting you.  It was vivid in his memory until the day he passed away in 1985.

We did go to Russia eight years ago and often thought of the things he told us.  Of course, Russia is a different country now, or is it?  We only saw St. Petersburg as tourists.  When we saw the opulence of Catherine's Palace, it made me sick to think of how people lived so many years ago so they could live like they did.

Today, watching Ms. Yovanovich's testimony, I remembered everything my father-in-law warned us about.   Here is an excerpt from her opening statement in case you didn't hear it:

"We see the potential in Ukraine. Russia, by contrast, sees the risk. The history is not written yet, but Ukraine could move out of Russia’s orbit. And now Ukraine is a battleground for great power competition, with a hot war for the control of territory and a hybrid war to control Ukraine’s leadership. The U.S. has provided significant security assistance since the onset of the war against Russia in 2014. And as is well-known, the Trump administration strengthened our policy by approving the provision to Ukraine of anti-tank missiles known as Javelins.

Supporting Ukraine is the right thing to do. It is also the smart thing to do. If Russia prevails and Ukraine falls to Russian dominion, we can expect to see other attempts by Russia to expand its territory and influence.

As critical as the war against Russia is, Ukraine’s struggling democracy has an equally important challenge: Battling the Soviet legacy of corruption, which has pervaded Ukraine’s government. Corruption makes Ukraine’s leaders ever vulnerable to Russia, and the Ukrainian people understand that. That’s why they launched the Revolution of Dignity in 2014 demanding to be a part of Europe, demanding the transformation of the system, demanding to live under the rule of law. Ukrainians wanted the law to apply equally to all persons, whether the individual in question is the president or any other citizen. It was a question of fairness, of dignity.

Here, again, there is a coincidence of interests. Corrupt leaders are inherently less trustworthy, while an honest and accountable Ukrainian leadership makes a U.S.-Ukrainian partnership more reliable and more valuable to the United States. A level playing field in this strategically-located country bordering four NATO allies, creates an environment in which U.S. business can more easily trade, invest, and profit. Corruption is also a security issue, because corrupt officials are vulnerable to Moscow. In short, it is in America’s national security interest to help Ukraine transform into a country where the rule of law governs and corruption is held in check. It was— and remains—a top U.S. priority to help Ukraine fight corruption. Significant progress has been made since the 2014 Revolution of Dignity.

Unfortunately, as the past couple of months have underlined, not all Ukrainians embraced our anti-corruption work. Thus, perhaps, it was not surprising, that when our anti-corruption efforts got in the way of a desire for profit or power, Ukrainians who preferred to play by the old, corrupt rules sought to remove me. What continues to amaze me is that they found Americans willing to partner with them and, working together, they apparently succeeded in orchestrating the removal of a U.S. Ambassador.

How could our system fail like this? How is it that foreign corrupt interests could manipulate our government?

Which country’s interests are served when the very corrupt behavior we have been criticizing is allowed to prevail? Such conduct undermines the U.S., exposes our friends, and widens the playing field for autocrats like President Putin. Our leadership depends on the power of our example and the consistency of our purpose. Both have now been opened to question."
That gives you so much to think about!

Happy Friday

Congratulations Laurie!

Last night I went to the Graduation of the Surrey RCMP Citizen Police Academy.  My longtime friend and former colleague, Laurie Haliburton graduated!  The academy had 300 applicants and only 50 were chosen.  It was an eight week course held at RCMP Surrey Headquarters.  They had presentations from Dog Service, Air Service and Community Service.  They learned all aspects of community policing.  The RCMP does an excellent job of involving the community.  They said tonight the community really helps in solving crime.

Laurie being presented with her Certificate

She also got this nice t-shirt

One of the officers involved in the program.
He's from Capetown!  We had a nice chat about South Africa.

I love their Red Serge!

Class of 2019

I volunteered for the Richmond RCMP for five years in the 1990's.  It was a great experience.  Watching Laurie tonight, I think it's time to volunteer again with the RCMP.  I really hope the city doesn't get it's own police force.  If it was a better option that gave us more boots on the ground, I would be in favor of it.  However, it's going to be 10% more on our taxes and less officers!

National Kindness Day

Today is National Kindness Day.  It's nice it has a day, but I try to be kind every day.  Sometimes I don't make it, but I try.  When Cheryl was going to university she didn't know what to buy her grandmother's for Christmas.  I told her all they wanted was something from her heart not her wallet.  She gave one a hand made gift certificate for cleaning, which she did.  The other grandmother got a nice drive and afternoon tea at a nice restaurant.  To be kind doesn't mean to pay.  It means to give them your time, send a card, pick up the phone and call or do something that will make them happy.

Yesterday we couldn't get into our online banking.  There was a 1-800 number to call, but we are so worried about scammers, we walked to the bank.  When the teller checked, someone tried to wire transfer $3,700 out of one of our accounts!  Thanks to the Royal Bank security system, our account was frozen.  We showed our ID, changed our user name, password and all the security questions.  We ran security updates and full scans of all our computers.  None of them had anything questionable.  It's interesting how they got in.  Cec did use Pay pal for a purchase a couple of weeks ago.  It's tied into his bank account.  We think it could be Pay pal because we have three accounts at the Royal Bank and they took money out of with with less money than the other ones!  We've both deleted bank accounts on Pay pal and now will only pay with a credit card.  Who knows how they got through the security but the fraud department at the Royal Bank are awesome.  The teller at the bank was really helpful too!   Cec goes into our accounts almost daily.  I think he likes to see how I can spend so much money and where it all goes!  We never use a debit card.  I was forced to use it once in Germany and as soon as I returned home, I changed the PIN.

Yesterday, Sportsnet fired Don Cherry.  He refused to apologize which shows what type of a person he really is.  If he apologized, he would still have a job.  They interviewed him today and he still doesn't think he said anything wrong.  One of the replacement announcers being considered is Brian Burke!  He would be a great replacement.  Brian was a hockey player, coach and general manager of a few hockey teams including the Vancouver Canucks.  In 2013 and for the next five years he was the President of Hockey Operations for the Calgary Flames.   After he left the Flames, he started working as a hockey analyst for Sportsnet!  He would be awesome and already works for the organization!

In 1973, we watched the Watergate Hearings.  We will watch the Impeachment Hearings.  I am hoping Americans will watch and make up their own mind.  The US news will deliver completely different accounts of the news.  If you watch FOX, he does nothing wrong.  If you watch CNN or MSN, he's guilty and should be impeached.  I will watch the hearings and make up my own mind.  I'm hoping they will either clear or impeach him and get it over.  At least we will hear people, testifying under oath, with both parties questioning them.

Today I'm off to the Canada Post Pacific Processing Plant to organize Santa Letter writing.  I will post when I have all this year's information.  It's a great volunteer job you can do in your own home if you want.  We go to the Cloverdale Post Office as they have some nice training rooms.  If anyone is wanting to help us, message me.

Depression

Depression is a deep dark hole you think you will never escape.  It hits many people.  Our family has been affected by depression and suicide.  The hurt and guilt never goes away.  My nephew, Brad Newell, has taken on the task of helping people who are depressed or suicidal.

He is working with "Heads Up Guys" to make men aware of where to go when they need help.  The site helps women too!

Brad was at a function where there were many professional athletes and other men.  They started the conversation about men's brain health and one of them asked if he would go on Global TV last Saturday and talk about it. 

Here is his interview:
Global Morning News

If you, or anyone you know is depressed or suicidal, please pass on this information.  You can go on the website in the privacy of your home.

https://headsupguys.org/

Cloverdale Fly By

Thanks to Cheryl for capturing this picture!
It was 11:02 AM, Nov 11, 2019.

Remembrance Day

Canadians recognize Remembrance Day, originally called Armistice Day, on the 11th month, 11th day at 11 o'clock.  It marks the end of hostilities during the First World War and an opportunity to recall all those who have served in the nation’s defence.

Armistice Day was inaugurated in 1919 throughout much of the British Empire, but on the second Monday in November. In 1921, the Canadian Parliament passed an Armistice Day bill to observe ceremonies on the first Monday in the week of 11 November, but this combined the event with the Thanksgiving Day holiday. For much of the 1920s, Canadians observed the date with little public demonstration. Veterans and their families gathered in churches and around local memorials, but observances involved few other Canadians.

In 1928, some prominent citizens, many of them veterans, pushed for greater recognition and to separate the remembrance of wartime sacrifice from the Thanksgiving holiday. In 1931, the federal government decreed that the newly named Remembrance Day would be observed on 11 November and moved Thanksgiving Day to a different date. Remembrance Day would emphasize the memory of fallen soldiers instead of the political and military events leading to victory in the First World War.

I will never forget our trip to Juno Beach.  Of course that was World War II but the memorial there is a wonderful tribute to all who gave their lives. 

We have many ceremonies around here.  There are always old airplanes from World War II that do a fly past.  It's a wonderful tribute! 

November 8, 2019 – Winnipeg - National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will conduct flybys for several Remembrance Day commemorations across Canada on November 11. These will be carried out by aircraft from RCAF Wings throughout Canada, and will be done at various times throughout the day.

Flybys will take place in communities in:
Alberta – Lethbridge (CC-177 Globemaster III);
British Columbia – Campbell River (CC-115 Buffalo), Comox (CH-149 Cormorant), Courtenay (CH-149 Cormorant), Cumberland (CH-149 Cormorant), Kamloops (CT-142 Dash-8), Nanaimo (CH-148 Cyclone), New Westminster (CP-140 Aurora), Qualicum Beach (CP-140 Aurora), Roberts Creek (CH-148 Cyclone), Sidney (CH-148 Cyclone), Skeetchestn (CT-142 Dash-8), Union Bay (CC-115 Buffalo), and Vancouver (CP-140 Aurora);
Ontario – Hamilton (CC-130H Hercules), Madoc (CH-146 Griffon), Ottawa (CF-18 Hornet), Roseneath (CC-130J Hercules), Sarnia (CC-130J Hercules) and Whitby (CC-130J Hercules);
Québec – Montréal (CH-146 Griffon) and Valcartier (CH-146 Griffon);
New Brunswick – McAdam (CH-146 Griffon), Saint Andrew (CH-146 Griffon) and Shediac (CH-148 Cyclone); and
Nova Scotia – Bridgewater (CP-140 Aurora), Chelsea (CP-140 Aurora), Chester (CP-140 Aurora), Chester Basin (CP-140 Aurora), Liverpool (CP-140 Aurora), Mahone Bay (CP-140 Aurora), New Germany (CP-140 Aurora), New Ross (CP-140 Aurora), Parkdale (CP-140 Aurora) and Western Shore (CP-140 Aurora).

During the flybys, the aircraft will fly at an altitude no lower than 500 feet above the highest obstacle in their path. Flybys by RCAF aircraft are carefully planned and closely controlled for public safety, and are dependent upon weather and flying conditions.

For details on the Royal Canadian Air Force and our aircraft, please visit the website at:

www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca.

Update on Don Cherry

I was wrong and I want to clarify it.  I said CBC owned Hockey Night in Canada.  They started broadcasting it in 1952, however things have changed.  This is from Wikipedia:

The Hockey Night in Canada brand is owned by the CBC[1] and was exclusively used by CBC Sports through the end of the 2013–14 NHL season. Beginning in the 2014–15 NHL season, the brand is being licensed to Rogers Communications for Sportsnet-produced Saturday NHL broadcasts airing on CBC Television as well as the Rogers-owned City and Sportsnet networks. Rogers had secured exclusive national multimedia rights to NHL games beginning in 2014–15, and sublicensed Saturday night and playoff games to CBC.[2] This sub-license agreement runs through the end of the Rogers deal with the NHL.

In response to the huge response to Don Cherry, they released this today:

I am really glad they did this.  Ron McLean, who sat beside Don Cherry and never disagreed or said anything wrote a huge apology.  Here is part of it:

Ron MacLean, who hosts Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry, apologized on Sunday for the comments Cherry made suggesting immigrants new to Canada were not wearing poppies, saying the words were “hurtful and discriminatory.” MacLean went on to say he owed an apology as well for not doing anything or responding at the time.

I read the entire apology and it was heartfelt.  Today #firecherry is trending on Twitter.  As of tonight there has been no apology from Don Cherry.  He is still working at Sportsnet but we'll see what the next few days bring.  I would like him to apologize to all the people he offended!

Don Cherry

Don Cherry was a professional hockey player and coach.  He's now 85 years old and since 1981 he's been a hockey commentator on CBC Hockey Night in Canada.  This show is watched by many young hockey players and their families.  He will praise or criticize players and coaches.  I've never been a huge fan of Don Cherry, but he certainly knows the hockey game and has some interesting rants.  Tonight I was disgusted with his comments.  This has nothing to do with hockey.  His racist rant on a prime time hockey game broadcast Canada wide is unbelievable.  So many kids watch these games.  Here is an article discussing what he said tonight on national TV!

Hockey Night in Canada's Don Cherry is under the microscope yet again after he sparked another controversy with questionable comments — and these ones aren't even directed toward players.

On Saturday's "Coach's Corner" segment, Cherry discussed poppies, the official symbol of remembrance for Canadian veterans and those who served during times of war. The poppy is usually worn in the two weeks leading up to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.

While discussing the topic, and how he believes not many are being worn, Cherry called out immigrants for not buying poppies or wearing them. These remarks put in motion yet another controversial night for the longtime TV personality.

"You people love, they come here, whatever it is, you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey. The least you could pay [is] a couple of bucks for a poppy or something like that," Cherry said on the segment. "These guys pay for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada. These guys pay the biggest price."

We should not tolerate this despicable behaviour!  The CBC needs to replace him!  

Humour is the best medicine

 And the best for last!

Capt. Jack Miles - a true hero!

When I worked for Pacific Western Airlines, Capt. Jack Miles was one of the most respected and admired executives.  He was in the news a few years ago when thugs broke into his South Surrey home and took his war medals.

At age 101, he is in the news this year as the longest surviving Air Force veteran to attend the Remembrance Day Ceremonies in Stanley Park this year!

From The Peace Arch News in 2014:

Jack Miles is still hoping to be reunited with the medals and letter of commendation he earned in the RAF during and immediately after the Second World War.

The mementos of a distinguished service record were snatched from the wall of his den May 30 by thieves who ransacked the home of the lively 96-year-old Newton resident while he was out at lunch with his girlfriend, Pauline.

But the former flying officer said that, whatever happens, the outpouring of concern from people since the incident – including RCMP officers who spent hours searching his two-acre Highway 10 property to make sure the burglars had not dropped the medals on the way out – helped restore much of his faith in humanity.

Since appearing in various media following the robbery, Miles has been particularly impressed by the reaction of younger generations to the loss of his medals – including a woman in her early 20s who approached him after he and Pauline attended a recent Vancouver concert by trumpeter Chris Botti.

“She said ‘you’re famous – you’re going to get those medals back,’” he said. “Everybody is treating the loss of the medals – insignia of service to your country – as a very important thing.

“Everybody is proud of being a Canadian – and I’ve felt that. People so repudiate this action, and they’ve voiced it. It really compensates for my loss to see how we’ve come together as a group. If I get them back, I will have a lot of people to thank – including the RCMP, who’ve been superb.”

The missing medals recognize Miles’ wartime service in Canada as a pilot and instructor, a stint in Burma, helping repatriate former British POWs from what was then French Indo-China and lending aid to Dutch residents of Indonesia during uprisings after the war.

They include the 1939-’45 Service Medal, the Defense Medal, the War Medal, the Burma Star and the Southeast Asia Medal. Next to them, on the wall of his den, was a framed letter from the British Air Ministry, issued in 1946, commending him for his service.

They were all taken in the robbery, which also claimed a gold wristwatch, a stash of still-full liquor bottles he’d collected along the way and a small amount of cash.

Ironically, Miles’ residence has a full alarm system, but it wasn’t activated on that day.

He was still fortunate – the thieves, who broke in through his garage workshop, took a length of copper pipe he had there and left it in his ransacked bedroom.

“I suppose if I’d come back while they were still here, they’d have used it on me,” he said.

For Miles – who had wanted to settle in Canada ever since he was first posted here as part of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan in 1941 – the robbery is only the latest chapter in a long and exotic life history. It included post-war airline flying in Peronist Argentina, and then in Canada, culminating in becoming vice-president of operations for Pacific Western Airlines, before his retirement in 1978.

Born in Argentina in 1918, Miles grew up on a ranch near Buenos Aires, son of an Englishman.

He wanted to be a pilot from the time when he and his cousin, Dick Moreno (now living in Victoria, and also an RAF veteran), were both 11 years old and at boarding school there.

“(Famous American flyer) General Jimmy Doolittle flew over our school in his Curtiss biplane and did some aerobatics – he was visiting Argentina – and I remember turning to Dick and saying, ‘that’s what I’m going to do.’”

When war broke out in 1939, he was determined to go to England to volunteer for the RAF.

“We were very English – even my mother, who was Argentinian, said that going to England was like going home to her,” he said.

Injuries sustained in an accident with his Triumph motorcycle in 1940 sidelined him – just as well, as it turned out, since the freighter he’d originally booked passage on was torpedoed by the Germans with the loss of all on board.

He finally arrived in England in August of 1941, where he did his initial and supplementary navigation training, and then was posted to Canada in October 1942.

After training in New Brunswick and Alberta, he won his wings in Moose Jaw, Sask., doing so well that he was made an instructor.

Operational flying followed when he was stationed in Comox, B.C., flying twin-engined Douglas Dakotas on long-range submarine patrol missions. He was still flying Dakotas when he was posted to 96 Squadron in Burma, where he flew supply drops in support of the 14th Army.

Interview with News 1130 this week (it's worth watching the ads):

Keeping the memory alive - Capt. Miles

What to do on November 11th?

The ceremony at the Japanese Canadian Cenotaph in Stanley Park starts at 10:40 am and runs until about 11:30 am. What’s special about this service is that it takes place in Stanley Park which is especially stunning this time of year with its fall colours.

Suggestion: While in the downtown area, and especially if at the Japanese Canadian Cenotaph ceremonies, wander around Stanley Park afterwards and enjoy some of the best fall colours in the Lower Mainland. Close to the Victory Square ceremonies, in Chinatown, the fall colours are also nice at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and, a drive further south, Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Botanical Gardens are also beautiful this time of year.

Take your Grade 9 student to work day

Yesterday, Lexie went to work with Cheryl.  I don't know if she had a choice to go with mom or dad but I would have gone with dad!   Cheryl texted they had a great day.

Carol and Dave asked us to go out for lunch.  We met them at the Roadhouse in South Surrey where we had a nice lunch.  After lunch we decided to go to White Rock for a nice walk on the pier.  The weather was sunny and the air was crisp.  The tide was in and a lot of people were walking the beach.  When we went to pay for parking, it's free until January 31st.  It's great they are offering free parking for all the struggling restaurants.

We were only there for under an hour and two trains went by us.  They were both coal trains and were very long.

I tried to get both the White Rock and Mt. Baker in the picture.  

Train number two.  See the yellow seats that were donated by the province after Expo 86!  They are still good.

They are allowing dogs on the walkway

After many hours of debate at White Rock City Council, dogs are allowed.  We've never seen any out of control dogs.  We have seen many happy dogs and dog owners.  I'm glad they are allowing them access.