Truth and Reconciliation Day

 

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, originally and still colloquially known as Orange Shirt Day, is a Canadian day of memorial to recognize the atrocities and generational impact caused by the Canadian Indian residential school system.

Residential schools were created by Christian churches and the Canadian government as an attempt to both educate and convert Indigenous youth and to assimilate them into Canadian society.  However, the abuse that was allowed by the Catholic, Anglican and United churches will never be forgotten.  

I was reading Facebook and found this very interesting from a residential school survivor:

As an indigenous woman, who has delt with many issues including my Kookom being a Residential School survivor and the insane amount of racism that comes with growing up in Alberta.

I have to say I don't want anything from the church more than to recognize and support. It's crazy to think that people that exist now who had nothing to do with the horrors that occur to pay for the actions of others.

I understand that what is done is done, and all we can do is spread awareness. What do you expect for a whole religion that has been around for 2000 years to just stop existing.

What can really be done? And why is it up to people who had nothing to do with what happened. This is a COMMUNITY and County issues not the church, this is something that needs to be resolved by understand the generational trauma that exists within the body's and minds of indigenous peoples today. But to call the church out like this, when there is not al lot they can even do.

Churches could donate money to help support the mental and physical rehabilitation of indigenous people, but this isn't going to heal the wounds between peoples. This is just monetary...

What needs to happen is people putting down the hate for each other, sit in a room together and learn from one another in a loving way. To be curious about each other's thoughts and feeling and to hold them with a open and loving heart. But this would need to happen on a mass collective scale.

But I think to call the church out like this feels hateful and wrong, not coming from the right place of an open heart.

May everyone here be blessed by the creator and to love and be open with each other in a good way.

Angela Lansbury

I never know if these are true, but I thought it was worth sharing.  I did some checking, and yes it is true!

Variety Magazine

Porter Airlines

I flew Porter Airlines to Halifax in June.  We are flying to Montreal soon and I chose Porter again.  I must say I agree with this article.  The best thing about Porter is there is no middle seat!   We can get 36" legroom for less than Air Canada and WestJet and we not only get free drinks and snacks, we get free wi-fi!  They are based in Eastern Canada but have flights here.  I wish they would continue to grow in the west.

Porter Airlines has won USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Award for the world’s Best Economy Class.

Kevin Jackson, President, Porter Airlines said Porter was ranked #1 out of 20 international airlines. The awards highlight the best of the best in a variety of categories such as travel, food and drink, and things to do, with all nominees submitted by a panel of experts.

“Porter has redefined air travel since 2006 and we are continuing to elevate the economy experience for everyone across North America as we grow our network. Porter is the airline focused on making economy travel better for everyone, and that includes no middle seat on any flight, free beer and wine served in glassware, a selection of complimentary premium snacks, high-quality fresh meal options, plus free streaming WiFi on the E195-E2 for all passengers,” said Jackson.

He added: “This award speaks to the commitment from our team members to provide the highest level of service and genuine hospitality.”

Porter’s expansion, first announced in July 2021, now includes a number of U.S. cities with E195-E2 service out of Pearson Airport and several other gateways. Porter now serves six destinations in Florida, four in California, as well as Las Vegas and Phoenix. Jackson added that these destinations complement Porter’s long-standing presence in Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.

Porter also flies coast to coast and to every province in Canada from its eastern hubs of Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

St. George Anglican Church in Fort Langley

On Wednesday the Langley Food Bank volunteers met at St. George Anglican Church.  We sat with members of the church who said it was built in 1900!   

The congregation actually formed in 1850 at an Anglican Church in nearby Derby.  Plans for a more central church within the Fort Langley boundary began in 1895 and the building was constructed in 1900.  The site chosen for the church is significant because it's located in the southwest corner of the 1839 Hudson's Bay Company Fort and includes the early Hudson's Bay Company cemetery.  The cemetery is the second oldest known European burial ground in Langley Township.

We had a great conversation about a stained glass window in the hall attached to the church.

The Morrison Window

This stained glass window was made in Wales and was shipped to Fort Langley to a private home!  It was shipped in molasses so it wouldn't break!   Earle and Marion Morrison had it in their home for years and donated it to the church in 2003.  What a beautiful window.  All the windows in the church were stained glass so they placed this one in the church hall.

Travel Tips & Tricks and a packing demonostration

Years ago I did a luggage packing demonstration.  I was in a Business Administration public speaking course I needed to speak in front of the other students to complete my program.  I made it a comedy routine and everyone loved it.  It was a 10 minute presentation and I didn't prepare anything, I just winged it.  When I was running out of content, I said to the instructor "how much time have I got left".  She said "oh my goodness, you've gone on for 20 minutes"!

My postal friend Sharon volunteers at the Langley Food Bank.  Every month they have a luncheon for all the volunteers.  They always have a speaker.  Sharon asked me if I would give a travel talk and I said yes!   

Laurie Haliburton and I worked together at Pacific Western Airlines years ago.  Laurie worked in lost luggage and she does luggage packing demos too.  I asked if she would help me so Laurie and I went to Fort Langley and met the most wonderful volunteers.  After having a lovely lunch we did our 45 minute presentation.  It was fun!

On our way home we got a parking spot at Langley Costco!  It was pouring rain and now I know to go to Costco in a rain storm.  When we were leaving there were no lineups at the gas bar and gas was $1.589!  What a great way to finish off a lovely afternoon.

Do you like to golf and cruise?

If you answered yes, here is a vacation for you:

Seven seas Grandeur *new luxury ship*  

14 nights cruise, London to London, Starting June 23rd 2025 with plenty of overnight to enjoy the city by night and get a better immersion!

Spotlight on golf and hosted by Annika Sorenstam: 

🏌️‍♂️ Meet and greet cocktail party

🏌️‍♂️ conference with John O’Hurley

🏌️‍♂️ Gold coaching session

🏌️‍♂️ Fashion Show featuring Annika’s favorite golf apparel LOHLA Stanley Le Sportif Pagenel

🏌️‍♂️Special golf trivia!

Pre night land program available as well: Play in the inaugural RSSC Golf Championship, held on ‘The Downs Course’ at Goodwood. Ranked in Golf World's Top 100 UK

Play a Round at several world-renowned courses including:

Stewart Golf Club ‘The Strand Course’ -host of 2017 Irish Open

Royal Belfast Golf Club winner IGTOA best Parkland Golf Course in Ireland

Dundonald Links, host of 2024 Final Open Qualifying & ISPS HANDA Woman’s Scottish Open

Ailsa Course Turnberry-4-time host to the Open Championship and ranked by Golf Monthly as the UK & Ireland’s number one golf course

Royal Lytham & St. Annes -host of 2012 Open

Formby Golf Club (host of 2009 Amateur Championship & 2021/2022 PGA Seniors Championship)

Hesketh Golf Course, the oldest course in Southport and host of Open Qualifying

Annika to join players and host clinics at select courses

For more information email:  lfisher@maritimetravel.ca

Watching teens get a wonderful opportunity!

A few weeks ago I had tea with a friend.  She's a lot younger than I am and has a son in Grade 12.  I said "I have some , wonderful news".  She said "I do too, you go first".  I told her about Lexie getting called by the casting department of Let's Make A Deal.  

She told me her son was chosen to attend the Blue Jay's Canadian Futures.  I hadn't heard about it so she proceeded to tell me!  He was flown to Toronto and put up by the Blue Jays who paid for everything.  There is so much more to his week.  His parents went with him and his grandmother, who lives in Hamilton, Ontario went too!  Imagine watching your son in Rogers Center playing ball with the best of the best!  

He is a pitcher with a local team in our area.  When in Toronto, his pitch was clocked at 92 MPH!   He's received nine college offers!   What a fabulous thing to happen to a wonderful boy!  I wish him well and hope his dreams of the Major Baseball League come true!

The biggest amateur baseball tournament in Canada is back at Rogers Centre in 2024 with the 10th annual Canadian Futures Showcase presented by Rogers from September 17 – September 21.

Hosted by the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy, the event enables Canada’s rising amateur talent with draft and college eligibility to further their athletic and academic careers, by exposing them to MLB scouts and college recruiters.

The showcase splits players evenly between six teams to compete against each other in a tournament-style format, starting with a scout day and concluding with a prospects game and home run derby on the final day. Players are selected through a series of open tryouts and in-person evaluations that run nationally over the spring and summer. 

Since 2013, 117 former Canadian Futures Showcase participants have been drafted by Major League Baseball organizations, with more than 700 receiving college scholarships.

If you are interested in more information, read the link below.  

https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/community/baseball-academy/canadian-futures-showcase

New Scam to be aware of!

There are a lot of scams out there, but here is a new one everyone should be aware of.  From the RCMP and Block Watch:

We have been receiving an INFLUX of calls regarding a new extortion scam with complainants receiving a picture of their residence (taken off google maps)  and saying if you don't pay up ( $1950 bitcoin ) we know where you live and will release videos.  Scam often comes with a QR code with a link as well.  DO NOT SCAN THE QR CODE.

If you have been a target of this scam please call Surrey RCMP Non-Emergency 604-599-0502

• If no money has been sent – a file will be taken for information purposes only.
• If money has been sent – a file will be created for police dispatch.

WHAT IS A QR CODE?

Quick Response (QR) codes are small white squares with two-dimensional (2D) black markings, similar to a barcode. These codes contain information that your device can read through its camera lens. QR codes are widely used, from accessing restaurant menus to visiting websites or viewing merchandise at events.

TYPES OF QR CODE SCAMS:

• Cloning: Scammers clone a legitimate QR code, redirecting you to a malicious site or infecting your device with malware to steal your personal data when you scan it.

• Phishing with QR Codes: Fraudsters may pose as service providers, government agencies, or financial institutions. Instead of sending a clickable link, they instruct victims to scan a QR code, directing them to fraudulent websites.

• Advertising: Malicious QR codes are placed in public areas, hoping that passersby will scan them.

• Vendor Fraud: Scammers target sellers by sending fake payment notifications, asking them to scan a QR code to receive payment. Instead, they prompt victims to enter their online banking information, risking identity fraud or unauthorized payments.

WARNING SIGNS - HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

• Hover your device camera over the QR code without proceeding to see if the associated link/URL appears suspicious or illegitimate.

• Scanning a QR code and following the link can expose you to identity fraud or malware.

• If asked to scan a QR code to view a document, consult your IT department before proceeding.

• Never scan a QR code to receive payment for selling an item. If in doubt, verify with the payment service company.

• Learn more: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

REPORT:

• Surrey RCMP (Non-Emergency): 604-599-0502

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC): Report online or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. Even if you haven’t fallen victim, report the fraud to the CAFC

From Russia with Lev

 

From Russia With Lev is a 2024 documentary film about Lev Parnas.  It is the first documentary produced by cable news anchor Rachel Maddow.

It is full of very interesting facts that are backed up with video and pictures.  Lev spent time in jail for what he did and it is explained in detail, along with everyone else who participated.  I suggest you watch it and make your own opinion.

As I originally said with the book "On The Take" by Stevie Cameron about Brian Mulroney, wait for the lawyers to start filing.  They never did, it must be true.

If any false allegations have been made, the legal stuff will happen.  I am waiting.......

https://www.msnbc.com/lev

Some nice thoughts for Friday

 

Tupperware

 

Tupperware was founded in Orlando, Florida in 1946.  Yesterday they filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection.  For 78 years they have supplied American and Canadian houses with great storage containers.

I went to my first Tupperware party with my mom in the 1950's.  I will always remember the presenter as she was really funny.  We watched her "burp" her containers and my mom purchased some great Tupperware.

In 1974, I went to a Tupperware party and the presenter talked me into becoming a presenter.  I had to buy the "kit" which was a great selection of Tupperware.  I still have some of it today.  I sold it for a few months.  I was a stay at home mom and it was fun to get out.  Unfortunately most of the homes I went to served wine and goodies.  Some nights I would enjoy the wine a little too much.  As much as I loved the product and enjoyed the wine, I decided I would enjoy an office job more so I stopped.  

Over the years I've attended many parties.  I have a lot of Tupperware and it was expensive, but the quality was fantastic!  Karyn Stitch was the host of the last party I had at my home.  She did an awesome job and you could always get new lids for ones you've lost or destroyed them in the dishwasher.  

There are so many other containers, but none of them are the quality of Tupperware.  I will miss going to these fun get togethers.

Some great old pictures

Ernest Hemmingway in a Cuban bar

The evacuation of Saigon

Policemen inspect a lumber truck that smelled of alcohol during Prohibition in 1926

 

Germany submarine U-118 washes ashore on the beach in Britain

Queen Elizabeth during her World War II service 

A newly liberated French citizen happily lights Winston Churchill's cigar

William Harley and Arthur Davidson (1914)

The Canada Dry Story

A vivid childhood memory for me was being given flat Canada Dry Ginger Ale when I was sick, but how did all this come about and why is it called that?

It all started with a young man named John J. McLaughlin from Enniskillen, Ontario.

In 1890, John was working at a soda factory in Brooklyn, New York. They made a syrupy ginger ale, but John thought he could make it better. He left the factory to open his own carbonated water plant in Toronto. In 1904, he created Canada Dry Pale Ginger Ale - a lighter, less syrupy version for a more refined palate (hence why it was called pale and dry signifying less sugary syrup in the drink)

The drink was immediately popular and referred to as the "Champagne of Ginger Ale." During Prohibition, Canada Dry Ginger Ale became a popular mixer to mask the taste of the period’s harsh homemade liquors.

Ginger in its natural form may have some cold and flu benefits, like reducing nausea, but in reality the pop version has few benefits aside from being a treat and getting some much needed liquids into children.

I always keep Canada Dry in my refrigerator. I don't wait until I'm sick, I find it a nice refreshing drink. I only buy the mini cans as the regular size are just much.

Telus, really 8 phone calls after going to your website?

I got a call from Rogers/Shaw to say my TV/Internet/Home phone contract is coming due.  They emailed me an offer that I will accept.  The price has gone up $7.00 and I'm getting a better internet speed, more TV channels and a $75 bill credit.

Before I made this decision, I went online to Telus to see what they were offering.  I had a bad experience with Telus 15 years ago that went on for months.  We had Telus ADSL in the test period in Steveston, so many years ago, I can't even remember when.  Of course we kept it for years and it was an excellent speed.  At the time we went into the test group, we were told to purchase our own router.  They are not expensive and we weren't concerned.  But, I kept the bill, as I always do.  

We moved from Steveston to Surrey and continued to use Telus internet and Shaw TV.  Our computers were old and we'd moved them.  Our speed was terrible and we put up with it from February to December.  In October, we both bought new computers and obviously it wasn't the computers, it was the provider.  We did a speed test and it wasn't even close to what we were paying for.  I called Telus to see why our speed was so bad and apparently 20 years later ADSL internet was not in our area of Surrey.  We'd paid the premium of this good speed for 10 months and they wouldn't give us any credit.  

I called Shaw and we moved over to their fast service in December.  I didn't cancel my Telus service until January to make sure we were happy with Shaw.  When I phoned Telus to cancel they told me to return my router.  I said "it's my router and I have the invoice".  They said "if you don't return it we will charge you $100.00, take it to the post office and we pay the postage".  This router was old and useless and we were going to recycle it.  What the heck, let's let Telus pay for postage and they can recycle it.  As always, I printed off the proof of delivery in Edmonton of our old router.   Good thing I did because I got a February bill with the $100.00 charge for not returning my email.  

I will never use Telus again.  I went onto their website to compare prices and less than 30 minutes later the phone calls started.  I guess they still have my email or IP address because I've never given them my cell phone number and my cell is with Rogers.

After the second call, I blocked them.  Went I went to my computer today that my cell phone is attached to, it showed all the blocked calls I got!  They never left a voice mail.

Butter

 

I don't eat a lot of butter, but when I go to Bellingham Costco, I buy Kerrygold Irish butter for Cheryl and Dave.  Cheryl said "once you try Irish butter, you will never eat Canadian or American butter again"!  

I buy Kirkland brand American butter from Costco.  It's cut into quarters and nicely wrapped.  We don't use a lot of butter and when I bring it home, I freeze it.  I just read a lot of interesting Facebook posts from Canadians saying Canadian butter is not easily spread, there are problems melting it, and how some butter goes mouldy!

Here is a Facebook post I found interesting:

I buy the salted butter from Costco and leave one in the cupboard, I never put butter in the fridge. Butter is always in the cupboard, summer or winter no matter the weather. it softens a bit and it doesn’t go moldy that fast …mind you butter doesn’t last long in my house. Butter just like farm fresh eggs, they do not require to be in the fridge. Superstore no name butter is pretty good, save on foods no name butter is good too. It’s also very simple to make your own butter. I also freeze butter to every time I go I buy 2-3 and freeze it.

Butter spreading and melting quality changes are because of palm oil being fed to cows!   I found this article quite interesting:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-dairy-farmers-palm-fat-hard-butter-1.5927559

I will try Kerrygold and see how different the taste is.  

Cruise ships and the Lions Gate Bridge

 EMPRESS OF JAPAN

1938

OVATION OF THE SEAS

2024

The larger ships go under the bridge at low tide

The man who decided to bungee jump on a Holland America ship:

October 3, 2002

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (REUTERS) — A man was charged with criminal mischief Monday after he attempted, unsuccessfully, to bungee jump from a Vancouver bridge to the deck of a passing cruise ship.

William Dean Sullivan miscalculated the ship’s speed and suffered minor head injuries Sunday when he bounced off the ship’s tennis court, volleyball net and a deck railing before being left dangling in mid-air as the ship sailed away, Vancouver police said.

Police said Sullivan planned to bungee jump from the Lions Gate Bridge, which spans the entrance to Vancouver harbor, stopping just above the passing ship so he could then lower himself a short distance to the deck.

“There were shrieks of horror from down below — I guess the people saw him coming, you know, on the ship. I guess he missed,” witness Kate Hill told the Vancouver Sun newspaper.

After failing to land on the ship, Sullivan, of Nanaimo, British Columbia, rappelled himself down to the water where he was rescued by a passing water taxi, which turned him over for arrest, according to police.

Sullivan’s motive remained unknown, although his friends told local media he was an aspiring stuntman. Sullivan was released on bail Monday on the condition he promise not to attempt any more jumps pending a trial.

A police spokesman said they were taking the incident seriously because of the danger it posed.

“The individual himself could have been killed,” Det. Scott Driemel said.

I found it on You Tube!

Aurora Borealis

The aurora came to Vancouver in May and I was fortunate enough to see them at Crescent Beach.  I follow the Aurora app and it sends me messages.  I got a message yesterday.  Last night they should have be visible in Vancouver.  My neighbour who follows aurora too told me they were visible in Paris last night!  

This is from Chris Hatfield:

This is from NOAA:   

EXTENDED WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 5 expected

Extension to Serial Number: 1924

Valid From: 2024 Sep 12 0419 UTC

Now Valid Until: 2024 Sep 13 1200 UTC

Warning Condition: Persistence

Issue Time: 2024 Sep 13 0529 UTC

I waited up until midnight.  Unfortunately clouds have appeared and I can't find anything at my home.  Last May they were right over our house.  It appears they did not come this far south, but there is always the hope!  

It's a great hobby and I really enjoy it.   I've been hoping for the sight of them in Alaska, but every trip I've taken, they've never been active.  I look forward to the pictures other enthusiasts post showing the lights in their area. 

Bear came home!

 FOUND!

After a week away, a neighbour two doors away found Bear!  We've searched this complex with a cat sniffing dog and he wasn't here.  I have no idea where he was but he is sure hungry.  He's happy to be home and it will be interesting if he ever bolts out again.

When Cheryl's inside cat Persephone was a kitten at Thanksgiving when she had the door a crack open to cool the house down from all the cooking, Persephone went out.  Everyone at dinner went out and we saw her.  She kept running away from us.  The next morning Dave found her and again, she ran from him.  They kept the door open, she came back in by herself and never went outside again.

It's been a week......

 

This is Bear.  He belonged to Richard's daughter-in-law until they got Charlie the dog.  Charlie is a lovely dog but he didn't get along with Bear.  Bear was an inside/outside cat that wouldn't come in after Charlie arrived.

Grandpa to the rescue.  He took Bear in and loved him for over three years.  Bear never wanted out and was happy with the love and attention he was getting from Richard.  The grandsons would come over and visit their old cat.

I'm not sure how old Bear is, but he's 10 or 11 or perhaps older.  Last Wednesday night, Bear bolted out the screen door.  He's been seen twice but not by us, by our neighbours.  I posted pictures on neighbourhood Facebook pages.   We've searched and called and shaken the treats but so far no Bear.

I wonder if Bear has decided to go back to his old house in Ocean Park?  The kids are all looking out for him,  We hope he shows up!   

My ride broke down, I found another one, and it's a plug in EV!

 

 

And I found this:

Family brunch at Brodeur's Bistro

This car was in the parking garage!

Cheryl, Dave, Lexie and Sid took us for Sunday Brunch at this Bistro as a thank you for cat sitting when they went on their Alaska cruise.  What a fabulous place!  It was originally located in Abbotsford but the location was too small and they moved to Langley.  The restaurant serves a blend of Montreal and New Orleans cuisine!  

We started out with the crispy pita and dip.  The dip was warm and very cheesy!  It was delicious.  Lexie, Cheryl and I had the Vegetarian Garden Pita.  Cec had the Rueben and Sid ordered a Pierre’s Cuban - Montreal Smoked Meat that had chicken, bacon, Swiss cheese, tomatoes & Chipotle Heat Sauce.  The sandwiches and pita come with your choice of 22 sides!  Sid and Lexie chose mac & cheese as their side and they both took it home as after eating the huge sandwich, they couldn't eat any more!  Cheryl ordered the tomato soup, Cec had the shrimp and seafood chowder and both Dave and I had the Memphis crunch salad as our sides.  

Dave ordered the Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich:

Now that's a sandwich!   You can get it in four sizes and this isn't the biggest!  The menu is amazing and if you are looking for a nice lunch at a lovely new restaurant:

https://bbistro.ca/

Aunty Acid

 

One man's opinion

I always enjoy reading everyone's opinion.  I don't always agree but I try to see their view.  I don't like the way Canada is being divided like the US.  If you don't agree with someone, don't try to change their opinion, just agree to disagree.  

This Canadian has a valiant way to get his point across:

To all you Maple MAGA Convoy fucks, listen up: this is our flag 🇨🇦—it was never yours, and it never will be. You can wave it all you want, but you will never redefine what it stands for.

My Canada is a place of unity, not division. Of strength, not weakness. Of inclusion, not exclusion. This country was built by people from every corner of the globe, adding their stories to the rich tapestry that makes us who we are. We don’t fear our differences—we celebrate them. That’s what makes us Canadian.

The real strength of Canada isn’t found in hatred, nor in fear, nor in the small-minded, short-sighted bullshit you’ve been peddling. It’s in the compassion of our people, the power of our unity, and the shared belief that everyone—no matter where they come from—deserves dignity, respect, and a fair shot.

This country stands tall because of our commitment to care for one another. That’s why we have universal healthcare—because we know that health shouldn’t be a privilege for the wealthy but a right for all. This is the legacy of leaders like Tommy Douglas, a legacy of compassion and fairness that defines our Canada. We take care of our own because that’s what true strength looks like.

And our greatness isn’t just in how we care for each other. It’s enshrined in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, a beacon of justice, equality, and liberty for all. It’s a reminder that democracy isn’t just a word we throw around—it’s a promise we live every day. It’s the belief that every voice matters and every vote counts.

But let’s be clear: our flag, once a symbol of unity and hope, has been hijacked. You took something sacred and tried to twist it into a banner for your hatred, your division, your toxic agenda. You turned it into a symbol for a movement that sought to undermine the very freedoms it claimed to protect.

But Canada is bigger than that. We’re reclaiming our flag. We are the ones who will decide what it stands for. It represents us—the people who built this country with their bare hands, the people who sacrificed so future generations could stand tall in a land of peace, justice, and opportunity. It represents the rights we all share, and the responsibilities we hold to one another.

And don’t think for a second that you define what it means to be Canadian. The convoy doesn’t define us. The hate doesn’t define us. The division doesn’t define us. We define Canada.

This flag stands for inclusion. It stands for justice. It stands for equality. It waves for every single person who has ever called this country home, for every person who has ever sought refuge here, and for every person who has fought to make Canada a place of peace.

We are taking our flag back because Canada is, and always will be, a country of hope. A country where we believe in the best of humanity, not the worst. Where we strive, every day, to be better, to be kinder, to be more just. We are a peaceful people, but don’t mistake our peace for weakness. We are united by our belief in the power of togetherness, and we will always fight for what is right.

Our flag isn’t yours to tarnish with your hate. It belongs to all of us who believe in a Canada that stands for fairness, for compassion, for the dignity of all people. This is our Canada, and we will fight like hell to keep it that way.

So wave your flag all you want—it’ll never stand for your small-minded bullshit. We’re taking it back, and we’re doing it with pride. Canada is ours, and it will always be a beacon of hope, of peace, of unity, and of strength.

A Poem for Seniors

Another year has passed and we're all a little older,

Last summer sure felt hotter and winter seems much colder.

There was a time not long ago when life was quite a blast

Now I fully understand about "living in the past".

We used to go weddings, football games and lunches.

Now we go to funeral homes and after-funeral brunches.

We used to go out dining and couldn't get our fill.

Now we ask for doggie bags, come home and take our pill.

We used to often travel to places near and far.

Now we get sore asses from riding in the car.

We used to go to nightclubs and drink a little booze.

Now we stay home at night and watch the evening news.

That, my friend, is now life is and now my tale is told.

So enjoy each day and live it up...

Before you're too damned old!

Take care of your passport!

A friend travelling in the UK had his passport when he boarded a flight in Belfast to Heathrow last Sunday.  He was connecting with a flight from Heathrow to Vancouver and when he went to board his flight home to Vancouver, his passport was gone!  

He put it in a pocket.  He either dropped it or it was pick pocketed!  As it never showed up at Lost and Found, I suspect it was taken.  Apparently they are "hot" items.  Who knew?

It was Sunday and Canada House in London closes for Canadian holidays, so he had to wait until Tuesday to get his replacement passport.   He booked a hotel a block from Canada House at Trafalgar Square and paid £265.00 a night!

If you need a replacement passport, it's like getting a new one.  You need 2 photographs and complete the passport application found online.  Everyone should have a copy of their passport, somewhere.  He had a copy on his phone!  The process time for a replacement passport can vary.  If you have your pictures, application completed and a copy of your original passport, it is possible to get a temporary passport faster.  He was able to get his temporary passport in one day, but would miss the flight to Vancouver so he waited for another day.  

What did this cost my friend?  $415.00 for the passport, £245.00 X 3 for the hotel and if his ticket was restricted, a one way air ticket from Heathrow to Vancouver and two days lost wages!   

If you are travelling, always keep your passport in a secure spot.  Make sure you have a copy with someone at home, in your possession or both.  If you lose your passport, notify the closest Canadian embassy.  

If your passport is damaged, you may be refused to enter a country. 

What makes a passport damaged? Normal "wear and tear" such as folded pages or a small bend do not count as damage. Damage includes stains from a liquid, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages (torn out), or a hole punch.

I keep my passport in a leather holder.  Along with my passport, I have my travel medical insurance card, my Nexus card and a business card so if it's found by a nice person, they will call me.  I have a copy of my passport at home and on my cell phone.

US merchants and Canadian Debit/Credit cards

I read this on Facebook and it's been posted by many people who have had a problem:

I just want to let everyone know that when I went for diesel at Costco in Bellingham on Friday afternoon, after I finished my shipping (a cart full) and lined up to pay with my coast capital bank card and it was NOT ACCEPTED! I spoke with the Costco manager and she told me that Coast capital will not do business with Costco anymore and also my beloved Trader Joes. In a conversation with coast capital manager this morning, I was told that they don’t accept any retailer that uses a swipe instead of a chip, that is standard practise in Canada because they are finding so much fraud with the swipe. He said possibly Costco will change to chip devices. I advised him that Costco just got ALL NEW devices two weeks ago and they are all swipe, so he shouldn’t hold his breath. My point to Coast Capital was “. Why in the world did you not use your best practise customer service skills and let everyone in the lower mainland know?? An email would have been one click of the button and I could’ve prepared.” I told him that I was declined at the till at Costco and TJs and it was a waste of my time, it was embarrassing because I certainly have enough in my account. I also advised him that Costco USA used to take MC and coast capital had visa but now Costco has Visa and coast capital has changed to MC.

I use my Costco MasterCard with no problems at Bellingham Costco. The Costco card also has my Costco membership attached, so it makes it much easier to use one card.