overcast, slight drizzle - slush. mild. temps freezing
another overcast day - but this seems to be the January thaw. Normally a January thaw in Canada is quite spectacular. Very mild, even warm, temps, melt all the snow...grass appears, sometimes even small green shoots. And then...February appears. Goodbye thaw.
Just finished ellipticating. Grrr. Wish I could say I like it. But I hate it. I keep trying to change my attitude, knowing that if I'm going to exercise, then hating it sure doesn't help. I think it's a combination of not liking to exercise and liking food. So, less food and more ellipicating makes me grouchy.
And then I think of what is happening with other people, and I'm less grouchy. Still Stinky, though.
Thoughts are underway here to do an event for Haiti when we get back from holiday...mid-February. So important to get help now. But equally crucial to continue the effort after the first wave...to not forget. Our IGA (grocery store) has joined so many around the world in collecting money...very easy. Just add 5, 10 - one dollar to the bill and it goes to the Red Cross. Brilliant, elegant idea. Easy and effective.
1,400 Canadians are missing in Haiti. The top Canadian cop - an RCMP Superintendent - was killed when the UK building collapsed. 40 of the 50 Habitat for Humanity workers are missing. But people are still being saved.
Hope. Now there's a quality. both a gift and a curse.
More stuff to do here before we head off to St. Lucia. Thank God Pat and Tony come and stay - look after all the details to do with the house...like feeding the birds and finding the bats. And Trudy, of course.
Amazing, though, the details to be sifted through to clear up the agenda before vacation. Slugging away. All well worth it.
A blessedly quiet day ahead...I think... writing the newsletter - working on permissions and a few translation questions. Tomorrow we're meeting My Assistant Lise for lunch - that's always a treat.
Talk to you tomorrow. Take care.
Showing posts with label haiti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label haiti. Show all posts
Monday, 18 January 2010
Sunday, 17 January 2010
You're welcome
overcast, mild, temps minus 3
Lovely spring-like day.
Had a message from Lise (My Assistant Lise, who is also head of Research and Development for our military-industrial complex) - she's read the blog. Honestly, this blog is getting me into trouble! She wrote an email subject line: Thanks A Lot!
hmmm. I sensed sarcasm.
then she went on to explain that since she not only is president of R&D and My Assistant Lise, she is also our gardener, she will almost certainly be the one dealing with Monsieur ou Madame Bat in the spring, which when last seen had been chucked into the shed. The garden shed.
Ooops
Now, her assistant, Donna, is a profoundly courageous woman when it comes to emotions and doing what is right. But a profound chicken when it comes to anything with a heartbeat other than herself. This isn't a problem when dealing with roses and tulips and dirt. But it is a problem when dealing with snakes (which our garden grows), mice, spiders, and perhaps no surprise, bats.
Donna also reads this blog.
I can see that the problem is not the bat, it is the blog. And reading it.
Hoping to finish the mass market proofs today, send off the changes, and write the February Newsletter. If you receive it you know I launched a contest...asking people to send me their favorite quotes. I've been happily deluged. I adore quotes and this is riches beyond my dreams.
It was always going to be hard choosing the 'winner' - but now I think I will choose one that also speaks to what is happening in Haiti...the grief and the courage - and the generosity.
So I'll be sitting safe and warm and content in front of the fire, reading this wonderful quotes, and pondering.
Quiet day. How lucky I am.
Lovely spring-like day.
Had a message from Lise (My Assistant Lise, who is also head of Research and Development for our military-industrial complex) - she's read the blog. Honestly, this blog is getting me into trouble! She wrote an email subject line: Thanks A Lot!
hmmm. I sensed sarcasm.
then she went on to explain that since she not only is president of R&D and My Assistant Lise, she is also our gardener, she will almost certainly be the one dealing with Monsieur ou Madame Bat in the spring, which when last seen had been chucked into the shed. The garden shed.
Ooops
Now, her assistant, Donna, is a profoundly courageous woman when it comes to emotions and doing what is right. But a profound chicken when it comes to anything with a heartbeat other than herself. This isn't a problem when dealing with roses and tulips and dirt. But it is a problem when dealing with snakes (which our garden grows), mice, spiders, and perhaps no surprise, bats.
Donna also reads this blog.
I can see that the problem is not the bat, it is the blog. And reading it.
Hoping to finish the mass market proofs today, send off the changes, and write the February Newsletter. If you receive it you know I launched a contest...asking people to send me their favorite quotes. I've been happily deluged. I adore quotes and this is riches beyond my dreams.
It was always going to be hard choosing the 'winner' - but now I think I will choose one that also speaks to what is happening in Haiti...the grief and the courage - and the generosity.
So I'll be sitting safe and warm and content in front of the fire, reading this wonderful quotes, and pondering.
Quiet day. How lucky I am.
Friday, 15 January 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Haiti
partly cloudy, calm, cold, temps minus 10
Poor Haiti. Dear Lord.
Here is a list, from the Canadian Press, of reputable aid organizations currently seeking cash donations for relief efforts in earthquake-ravaged Haiti. Donations can be made at the web pages or by calling the appropriate phone numbers.
Canadian Red Cross (hoping to raise at least $2 million): www.redcross.ca/helpnow, or call toll free 1-800-418-1111, visit any Red Cross office.
Humanitarian Coalition (consists of CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Quebec and Save the Children Canada): www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca.
Plan Canada: https://planCanada.ca/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pidid
Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmy.ca, or call 1-800-725-2769.
Rogers Wireless and Bell Mobility customers can make $5 donations by texting the word "haiti" to 45678.
Donations can be mailed to Army Territorial Headquarters, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M4H 1P4. Donations can also be dropped off at local Salvation Army units. Specify "Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund."
Unicef Canada: https://secure.unicef.ca/portal/SmartDefault.aspx?at0&CID
United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto: http://www.ujadonations.com/haiti or call 416-631-5705.
World Vision Canada: https://www.worldvision.ca/give-a-gift/Pages/EarthquakeinHaiti.aspx
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has also compiled a guide designed to help the public avoid scams and ensure their donations are of maximum value:
http://www.international.gc.ca/humanitarian-humanitaire/Canadians-he lp-aide-canadien.aspx
I know there are many, many organizations in your area too...
Poor Haiti. Dear Lord.
Here is a list, from the Canadian Press, of reputable aid organizations currently seeking cash donations for relief efforts in earthquake-ravaged Haiti. Donations can be made at the web pages or by calling the appropriate phone numbers.
Canadian Red Cross (hoping to raise at least $2 million): www.redcross.ca/helpnow, or call toll free 1-800-418-1111, visit any Red Cross office.
Humanitarian Coalition (consists of CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Quebec and Save the Children Canada): www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca.
Plan Canada: https://planCanada.ca/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pidid
Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmy.ca, or call 1-800-725-2769.
Rogers Wireless and Bell Mobility customers can make $5 donations by texting the word "haiti" to 45678.
Donations can be mailed to Army Territorial Headquarters, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M4H 1P4. Donations can also be dropped off at local Salvation Army units. Specify "Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund."
Unicef Canada: https://secure.unicef.ca/portal/SmartDefault.aspx?at0&CID
United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto: http://www.ujadonations.com/haiti or call 416-631-5705.
World Vision Canada: https://www.worldvision.ca/give-a-gift/Pages/EarthquakeinHaiti.aspx
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has also compiled a guide designed to help the public avoid scams and ensure their donations are of maximum value:
http://www.international.gc.ca/humanitarian-humanitaire/Canadians-he lp-aide-canadien.aspx
I know there are many, many organizations in your area too...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)