I LOVE border guards - honest

freezing drizzle, mild, temps plus one

What magificent comments about Haiti. Terrible, heartbreaking situation. We saw our governor General - the honourary head of state for Canada on television. She was born and raised in Haiti. She was in the middle of giving a statement when she suddenly started crying. So many of her family and friends are missing. But it was more than that. She seemed to be weeping for a country she loves that has already suffered too much. And now this.

We've decided to (and have) donate to Medecines sans Frontieres (Docotrs without Borders) - which we belong to. And the Red Cross. The Haitian community in Montreal - which is massive, since most Haitians are French-speaking - has asked that donations be made through the Red Cross. But clearly a donation to anty reputable organization - referably with a history in Haiti - will help.

We're in Montreal - had to pop in yesterday. Michael had a tooth ache and we wanted to tend to it. Turns out it got better on its own, about five minutes after seeing the dentist. Such a nice man to fit us in quickly.

Crossed the US border the day before yesterday - to gas up and get come groceries etc at Hannaford's in Vermont. this is for the St. Lucia trip (have I mentioned it??? ha) Apparently the 90 minute drive from the airport to the resort is a bit of a rtoller-coaster and it's recommended that anyone who suffers motion sickness might want to pop a pill.

I went to our phramacist and he said he would not recommend Gravol. But said if I can get to the States I could buy Dramamine there...much better. But, for reasons I don't want to think about - it is not available in Canada.

So I went across the border to get it. Waiting at US customs the very nice officer searched the car then in handing me back my passport asked how the book tour went. I was stunned since I hadn't mentioned I was a writer and he was a guard I'd never met before. then he said, 'I like your blog. Especially the one about the border guard.'

I stared at him - mouth open. Not sure what to say or do. So I laughed nervously. Ha ha. (Dear Lord, I thought - now I'm screwed - who'd have thought this blog isn't private???) I remember writing that entry. It was after a female border guard (not the very nice, handsome and powerful one who just stopped me) decided that being a writer on book tour demanded a full investigation. It suggested a couple of things to me...which I will not repeat since I adore all border guards, especially the ones into Vermont. And at airports)... But one thing it suggested that I will mention is that telling the truth is not necessarily rewarded or valued or respected - except by the very nice, handsome and powerful guard who stopped me. And all the others I might ever meet. I love you.

Came back from the US with a trunkload of legal drugs...for everything. (even declared them!) Dramamine for motion sickness, stuff for the runs, stuff for the opposite, stuff for colds, stuff for the flu. We'll be taking all those, plus a bathing suit. And a book. Seems about right. I'm not at all normally concerned about germs and getting sick. But when I'm on book tour, or holiday, I really watch out. And, as we know, you can never have (if you're a border guard, please stop reading) too many drugs.

Well, back to Sutton this morning. We're trying to decide if we should try to organize a fundraiser in the village - for Haiti. Perhaps an event at the bookstore, or a radiothon with the local community station. I'm of two minds. The forefront says most people who would respond to that have already given and given generously. And perhaps our time and effort is better served doing something more practical for the people of Haiti.

Will make some calls, but I think we will content ourselves networking with friends - and digging deep ourselves.

Be well.