2009 In Review

Well it's nearly the end of the year... I think it was very early in 2009 that I began writing this blog...

What was most important for me this year.. without a doubt the events of this past August...my best friend and spouse and I celebrated 40 years of marriage. We really enjoyed celebrating it with friends in both Regina and Ottawa.

We also waited for and enjoyed the very recent news of the arrival of our fourth grandson.

(Friends of ours will receive a more personal account of our year in a few days)

The country of ours...well...somehow we did not have a federal election. Though I would not have minded one (it is the 'highest expression' of a democracy), I am glad one did not occur. Our electorate is quite polarized and I don't really know how an election would have turned out.

Some things I liked about the year in our political life in Canada -- well it's hard to say... maybe one bright light was the Ontario government's decision to have a new advisory group provide input into social policy - adjustments to welfare rates may be one result. But the province has a huge deficit brought on by the economic downturn so nothing may result from the group's work...

Lots of things not to like about the year past in the political world...our federal government's mean streak especially in dealing with critics and several Canadians seemingly abandoned when in trouble in other countries, and our almost absence or foot dragging on dealing with environmental issues... I was embarassed at our country's receiving of 'fossil' awards in Copenhagen.

Last winter's conflict in Israel and Gaza was most distressing. Both sides committed war crimes (according to human rights groups) yet neither appears to be taking that issue seriously...

The Sri Lankan civil war ended but justice has not arrived in that part of the country.

More locally I was continually amazed at how hypocritic and demonic' some of our talk show hosts in our city can be in their discussion of current events. Last winter's regrettable transit strike brought out the worst in their continuing war against public services and unions. Their attitudes towards Afghan detainees was most upsetting.

The continuning strife in Iran seem to predict interesting times in the month ahead.....

Various Stuff

Attending lots of events surrounding the Jewish festival of lights - Chanukah - all those potato pancakes...becoming stuffed with latkes...

Still unhappy with events in Copenhagen.. or more rightly.. unhappy at continuing attitude of Canadian authorities....

Mind you saw one suggestion for Canada which would improve our environmental impact in a significant way... Canada as a wealthy country should make a substantial contribution to helping developing countries cope with the effects of climate change. Will our political leaders have the ability to seize this opportunity?

It's amazing how otherwise bright folks still question the science of global warming and climate change. Just a touch of cold weather brings out all the conspiracy theories. Chatted about this with two other folks last evening who judge the degree of climate concern with this week's weather in Ottawa..how myopic can one be??

A Huge Country We Have Here

Well after seven driving filled days we are back home...great to be ensconced in usual quarters.

What a variety of scenery in this country...flat prairies; beautiful lakes; wonderful valleys and rivers...

Experienced snow squalls.. not very nice if you are driving on already snow covered roads.. but appropriate levels of caution one can safety arrive at destinations.

Saw daughter and boyfriend, and two grandsons during our time away.. all are good which is great