Disney changes

Don Terris is a travel agent in Ottawa.  I enjoy his podcasts of "Just Don" and "Don's Family Vacations."  I was shocked to listen to his podcast regarding the changes Disney's made.  I first went to Disneyland in 1958 and we've had many trips to both Disneyland and Disney World.  It's never been cheap but was affordable for the average family.  

I spoke to someone who was worried about Air Canada cancelling his flight to Los Angeles.  He paid for his family to go to Disneyland and you must make a reservation for the exact day you are attending.  What happens if your flight gets cancelled?   I didn't realize Disney had reservations but it made sense to control crowds during COVID.  

I went online to see what the prices are.  A three day one park only pass for someone over 10 years is US$410.41/CAD $538.28 and you have four days to use them!  With all the additional charges they are adding, it's make it very difficult for a family to visit now!   

Disney's new business plan!

I'm sad today...

Today is the first day of the new year of school.  For 11 years I've either taken and/or picked up Lexie from school.  She starts Grade 12 and will be now driving herself.  I will miss all the conversations we've had on our way to and from school.

She confided in me and I am so glad we have such a good relationship.  I never told her mom any of the "secrets".  Believe me, if I thought mom needed to know, I would have but she's a good girl!  She's always been on the honour roll and received the Super "G" Award. I didn't know what Super "G" was, but it's when you get all "Good" for attitude and basically being a decent student.  Every year, every report!  Way to go Lexie.

The picture below was my first attempt at French braids.  I walked her to school from their home on 36th Avenue.  Long walk, they lived half a block away from the school.  I enjoyed meeting the teachers and the mothers and grandmothers every day.  

1970 - 2020

 

The truth about women my age

 

The Story of Fascism in Europe by Rick Steves

I have always enjoyed Rick Steves.  He's from Seattle and is an American travel writer, author, activist and television personality.  He has many programs on PBS. He travels the world writing about his adventures.  He is very well educated.  I enjoy his television shows and when I saw this article, I thought I would share it.

Who’s a fascist, anyway?

President Biden has called out Trumpism as “semi-fascism” — raising the ire of MAGA Republicans, who are slinging the word “fascist” right back at him.

“Fascist” is not a generic insult, like calling someone a “jerk” or an “a-hole.” Fascism is a political philosophy that drenches an entire society like honey drenches baklava. But rather than tasty, it makes you want to spit.

Seeing how democracies from Turkey to Hungary to our beloved America were being seduced by fascist demagogues and wannabe autocrats, I produced a one-hour TV special in 2018 that was designed to help Americans learn from Europe’s hard experience a century ago: www.ricksteves.com/fascism.

I produced this show as a patriotic duty for a country that is a part of who I am. My hope: that America would recognize fascism when it knocked at our door. Try watching just five minutes of this doc…

Ukraine

As Ukraine continues to deal with the conflict with Russia, people all over the world are sending love and support to them. Everyone is hoping for peace to be restored. The number of people killed is increasing day by day, the largest plane Antonov AN-225 has been destroyed, and many cities have been bombarded. No one really wins a war, there are only losses in the war.

Today we have collected some photos of Ukraine that were taken before Russia’s invasion. Many people are not aware of the culture, architecture, and traditions of the beautiful country that gained its independence around 30 years ago. Here are some photos that might give you a new perspective on Ukraine.

#1 Just A Metro Station In Kyiv

Image source: Tovarish_Petrov

#2 Independence Square In Kyiv

Image source: jekaloc

#3 Kyiv, Ukraine

Image source: KantKay11

#4 Church Of St. Nicholas On The Water

Image source: marga__da

#5 Freedom Is Our Religion. Kyiv, 2017

Image source: rc_warsaw

#6 Kyiv, Ukraine

Image source: bademus23

#7 The Love Tunnel, Ukraine

#8 Darnitsky Bridge In Kyiv

Image source: priroda.ukrainy

#9 Vozdvizhenka – A Pearl Of Kyiv. The Elite Micro District Of The City. Each Element And Color Perfectly Refined, They Show A Real Rainbow

Image source: dorka_danceandtravel

#10 Christmas Tree At Sofiyivska Square In Kyiv, Ukraine

Image source: istetsen

Vincent Van Gough Family Tree