I keep reading of The Grey Cup. I say reading but I really mean seeing headlines as I have no interest in Grid Iron 'football' and this seems to be the superbowl for Canada.
But every time I see Grey like that I can't help but think of a competition for older people...like the veteran's (the non former military kind) tennis tournaments they have.
I have visions of someone greying at the temples, holding a trophy aloft.
Monday, 30 November 2009
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Blustery
SD has her works xmas party tonight and it's not even December yet. Mind you, Santa arrived in Moncton with last evening's parade.
It's a blustery day but still no real sign of winter yet.
My arm aches a little after the jab but not that much. The difference between H1N1 and regular flu jabs is quite marked though. Light headedness and an odd feeling (as well as the ache) compared to absolutely nothing with the two regular ones I've had.
It's a blustery day but still no real sign of winter yet.
My arm aches a little after the jab but not that much. The difference between H1N1 and regular flu jabs is quite marked though. Light headedness and an odd feeling (as well as the ache) compared to absolutely nothing with the two regular ones I've had.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Finally
Got my H1N1 jab this morning. Unlike the high ranking officials, it was very well organised. My SD wanted me to hold her hand as she hates needles.
Unlike other jabs I've had, this one had me feeling a little light headed and I've been feeling a little queasy since then.
I have heard there's been more attention to H1N1 news paid by the public here compared to the UK. But then more have died here than the UK and Canada is half the population...so a death rate of more than double might explain it. Plus North Americans seem almost obsessed with health matters anyway.
Unlike other jabs I've had, this one had me feeling a little light headed and I've been feeling a little queasy since then.
I have heard there's been more attention to H1N1 news paid by the public here compared to the UK. But then more have died here than the UK and Canada is half the population...so a death rate of more than double might explain it. Plus North Americans seem almost obsessed with health matters anyway.
Friday, 27 November 2009
really pissed off now
The health department here has been unbelievably incompetent regarding the H1N1 vaccinations. Having cocked up at the beginning when high risk people were denied the priority vaccinations deemed essential for the chronic conditions while thousands of others of low risk were vaccinated, they finally managed to hold three clinics this week for people whose health was likely to limit their travelling ability due to mobility issues or with conditions that meant they couldn't drive.
Where did they hold them? That's right, out of town. Not one was on a direct bus route and one needed a transfer using a bus that runs every hour. So unhealthy people without their own transport were faced with lengthy waits at bus stops followed by three or four hours in a queue.
Or $40 to $60 for a taxi and a long wait.
Then, this morning, the radio announces that "Now that the priority groups have been taken care of....."
Yeah, right.
Where did they hold them? That's right, out of town. Not one was on a direct bus route and one needed a transfer using a bus that runs every hour. So unhealthy people without their own transport were faced with lengthy waits at bus stops followed by three or four hours in a queue.
Or $40 to $60 for a taxi and a long wait.
Then, this morning, the radio announces that "Now that the priority groups have been taken care of....."
Yeah, right.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Skyline
I found a nice strip of a picture to fit the page without it taking over.
I found a website the other day that had Canada's top ten skylines. Amazingly, Moncton's was there; at number 10.
I found a website the other day that had Canada's top ten skylines. Amazingly, Moncton's was there; at number 10.
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
End of the world
The other morning I woke and went to the bathroom. Looking out the window, imagine my surprise when I saw a mushroom cloud over the hospital.
It was not the end of the world though, otherwise how could I be typing this missive?
It was smoke from their chimney. Within seconds it reverted to the normal appearance but it was most definitely of mushroom shape when I first clapped eyes on it.
It was not the end of the world though, otherwise how could I be typing this missive?
It was smoke from their chimney. Within seconds it reverted to the normal appearance but it was most definitely of mushroom shape when I first clapped eyes on it.
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
A free week no more
So much for a holiday from medical appointments. My wife needs a renewal prescription and we want to see about a change in another prescription. So we have an appointment tomorrow.
We never have a problem getting an appointment. Some people have to wait so long that they use a walk-in clinic instead.
* * *
November has been quite a mild month. I remember it was like this in our first year here and then we didn't have that much snow over the winter. All of the snowfalls except one were easy to clear. So I'm hoping for the same this time.
On the other hand there's still a week left for it to not be so mild.
We never have a problem getting an appointment. Some people have to wait so long that they use a walk-in clinic instead.
* * *
November has been quite a mild month. I remember it was like this in our first year here and then we didn't have that much snow over the winter. All of the snowfalls except one were easy to clear. So I'm hoping for the same this time.
On the other hand there's still a week left for it to not be so mild.
Monday, 23 November 2009
Back to bed
It's -5 right now, with a 'feels like' of -10. And it felt like it when I saw the kids off to work and school. If I could have done it without opening the door I would have.
I'm going to go back under the covers for a bit.
* * *
Debate on the expats forum about whether parents who are poor enough to use food banks but smoke are harming the health of their children; either by second hand smoke or poor diet or both.
Those that think the parents are selfish are being told they are judgemental and being holier than thou, by people who say they are not going to judge others.
Which rather sounds holier than thou doesn't it?
I'm going to go back under the covers for a bit.
* * *
Debate on the expats forum about whether parents who are poor enough to use food banks but smoke are harming the health of their children; either by second hand smoke or poor diet or both.
Those that think the parents are selfish are being told they are judgemental and being holier than thou, by people who say they are not going to judge others.
Which rather sounds holier than thou doesn't it?
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Recurring dream
Had a variation on my recurring dream where I need to pee but there's nowhere to go or the toilet is out of order.
In this one I went into the cubicle but there was no lock for the door. It was too far to hold an arm or foot against the door. I went into the other cubicle and that was the same. There were plenty of people outside the cubicles.
Typical. Finally a working toilet but I still couldn't use it.
In this one I went into the cubicle but there was no lock for the door. It was too far to hold an arm or foot against the door. I went into the other cubicle and that was the same. There were plenty of people outside the cubicles.
Typical. Finally a working toilet but I still couldn't use it.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
jumping to the wrong conclusion
The local paper recently carried a report about a cenotaph cross being vandalised in Fredericton and there was outrage; especially as it was just prior to Remembrance Day. It's now been revealed that it likely fell on its own with no evidence of any vandalism at all.
The same paper just printed a story about how some evil person left a caged dog in the woods to starve to death following a report that someone found a cage with some skeletal remains in it.
It transpired that a naturalist had found the outgoing tide left a stranded porpoise that died and that the local museum was interested in skull or skeleton once insects had stripped it down. The cage protected it from scavengers or predators in the meantime.
Just a couple of examples of how the worst was assumed when there were actually innocent explanations.
The same paper just printed a story about how some evil person left a caged dog in the woods to starve to death following a report that someone found a cage with some skeletal remains in it.
It transpired that a naturalist had found the outgoing tide left a stranded porpoise that died and that the local museum was interested in skull or skeleton once insects had stripped it down. The cage protected it from scavengers or predators in the meantime.
Just a couple of examples of how the worst was assumed when there were actually innocent explanations.
Friday, 20 November 2009
A break
Must have had a dozen or more medical appointments of various types these past three weeks. Nothing lined up at all next week.
It's going to seem like a holiday.
It's going to seem like a holiday.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Cashier attention deficit disorder
Store cashiers are so fond of not listening..."I don't need bags for the bottles" while they merrily put the bottles into bags etc, but today was a new low.
As we were leaving with our purchases I asked if this one could call us a taxi . She appeared to acknowledge cheerily in the infirmative and then stood there as we made to leave.
I waited and she looked puzzled. I asked again; clearly she had some automated response to the original question. I had to ask twice before she understood.
Then she said she'd take us to another desk where there was a phone book and she walked to it. I said we knew the number as we followed and I gave it. I must have repeated the last part - two thousand (2000) about five times before my wife said two-o-o-o and she understood and finished dialing.
Then she passed the phone to me. How puzzling.
As we were leaving with our purchases I asked if this one could call us a taxi . She appeared to acknowledge cheerily in the infirmative and then stood there as we made to leave.
I waited and she looked puzzled. I asked again; clearly she had some automated response to the original question. I had to ask twice before she understood.
Then she said she'd take us to another desk where there was a phone book and she walked to it. I said we knew the number as we followed and I gave it. I must have repeated the last part - two thousand (2000) about five times before my wife said two-o-o-o and she understood and finished dialing.
Then she passed the phone to me. How puzzling.
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Chilly and Chili
I thought it was the coldest since last winter this morning when I was up the first time. It was still cold when I was back under the covers listening to the radio. Couldn't understand why the weather site was showing a warm 6 degrees the second time. But I just checked and it was minus 10 overnight and minus 6 when I was up at 7.00. That explains that.
Nice bowl of chili and a lump of crusty bread beckons for lunch.
Nice bowl of chili and a lump of crusty bread beckons for lunch.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Doctor Who In Trouble
From The Guardian: Doctor Who spiked his pregnant lover's drinks, jailed for six years.
Who will save us from the Daleks now?
* * *
Just bought a pot of broken Oh Henry bars, very like Picnics. Reminded me of all those boxes of broken Crunchies my dad used to bring home when he worked at Frys.
Who will save us from the Daleks now?
* * *
Just bought a pot of broken Oh Henry bars, very like Picnics. Reminded me of all those boxes of broken Crunchies my dad used to bring home when he worked at Frys.
Monday, 16 November 2009
Hope
Big day tomorrow. The first course in what we hope will be an effective treatment for my wife; a three hour infusion of a fantastically expensive drug.
I'm curious as to how it will go. Will she feel it going in? Will she feel funny? How quickly might it take effect; on the first infusion or subsequent ones?
Just so long as it reduces a lot of pain and discomfort and gives her some mobility back. It would be good if it gave her life back too but let's not think too far ahead.
I'm curious as to how it will go. Will she feel it going in? Will she feel funny? How quickly might it take effect; on the first infusion or subsequent ones?
Just so long as it reduces a lot of pain and discomfort and gives her some mobility back. It would be good if it gave her life back too but let's not think too far ahead.
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Dark day
Unbelievably dark day today. I opened the curtains and it made practically no difference. Very steamy out when I went to the shop for provisions.
What a twit. I wrote myself a note reminding me that Doctor Who was on BBC at 3.00 pm (my time) this afternoon (via a reliable stream) and I completely forgot. Never mind, though, my wife will download it soon enough.
What a twit. I wrote myself a note reminding me that Doctor Who was on BBC at 3.00 pm (my time) this afternoon (via a reliable stream) and I completely forgot. Never mind, though, my wife will download it soon enough.
Saturday, 14 November 2009
What Saturdays are for
At 8.30 this morning I had my bacon sarnies and coffee and settled down to watch England v Portugal in a European Championship under 21s qualifier on TV.
Right now it's half time in the England v Argentina rugby union tour game which I have on the computer.
Looking forward to a friendly match at 1.00 between a near second eleven for England against a full strength Brazil and hoping to get another stream for the 4-Nations Cup Rugby League Final between underdogs England and, favourites, Australia.
After that I can choose between Ireland-France or Portugal-Bosnia in the World Cup play off games as both are on TV.
Back to the rugger and, hopefully an improved performance.
* * *
Marginally better second half. Overall, two wins two losses; neither defeat unexpected.
Right now it's half time in the England v Argentina rugby union tour game which I have on the computer.
Looking forward to a friendly match at 1.00 between a near second eleven for England against a full strength Brazil and hoping to get another stream for the 4-Nations Cup Rugby League Final between underdogs England and, favourites, Australia.
After that I can choose between Ireland-France or Portugal-Bosnia in the World Cup play off games as both are on TV.
Back to the rugger and, hopefully an improved performance.
* * *
Marginally better second half. Overall, two wins two losses; neither defeat unexpected.
Friday, 13 November 2009
Strange
Really don't know what the weather's doing. Outside, the temperatures have been the lowest for several days yet we didn't need the heating on. Last night was another cold one out, yet I was too warm in bed.
Warmest day for a few days today but I put the heating on early because it was the coldest inside since last winter.
Warmest day for a few days today but I put the heating on early because it was the coldest inside since last winter.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Guns
Every now and then talk of the Gun registry surfaces. People say it doesn't work and cite the ease with which crooks go to the USA to get guns.
But doesn't that make it good that it's not convenient for them to get the guns in Canada to use for crime? Personally I find it quite reassuring that the villains have to take the risks associated with crossing the border for guns; doesn't that increase the chances of getting caught even before a worse crime is committed?
Why do so many non villains want so many guns anyway? A guy on the radio phone in today has eight. Why???
But doesn't that make it good that it's not convenient for them to get the guns in Canada to use for crime? Personally I find it quite reassuring that the villains have to take the risks associated with crossing the border for guns; doesn't that increase the chances of getting caught even before a worse crime is committed?
Why do so many non villains want so many guns anyway? A guy on the radio phone in today has eight. Why???
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
untitled
How can things get so bad that a top sportsman throws himself in front of a train?
Of course, the occupation and being a success is irrelevant but......
I suppose what I'm trying to say is what hope is there for others without the advantages he appears to have had, including moral support that was there.
Of course, the occupation and being a success is irrelevant but......
I suppose what I'm trying to say is what hope is there for others without the advantages he appears to have had, including moral support that was there.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Hospital praises again
This tickled me. It's from the Brit Expats site and, once again, shows that some don't appear to live in the real world.
That's right, nothing fancy. All perfectly normal having a house with its own swimming pool and hot tub. I wonder what the etc refers to.
* * *
I see a lot of advice in the paper and on the TV about coughing and sneezing into your sleeve rather than onto your hand.
It makes sense. If you can't get a tissue or hankie first. But what happens if you end up with a messy deposit? Yuk.
* * *
Once again our hospital excels. We had an 8.15 am appointment and then we had to attend a 'walk-in' X-Ray. We were in the hospital one hour total, including the compulsory 15 minute wait after a test.
The only downside was we expected to be longer and then go onto another appointment, but we were far too early and came home for an hour.
For $300 000 - $400 000 you can have a very nice house in Brossard or La Prairie; nothing fancy, but nice and comfortable with a back yard, swimming pool, hot tub etc....
That's right, nothing fancy. All perfectly normal having a house with its own swimming pool and hot tub. I wonder what the etc refers to.
* * *
I see a lot of advice in the paper and on the TV about coughing and sneezing into your sleeve rather than onto your hand.
It makes sense. If you can't get a tissue or hankie first. But what happens if you end up with a messy deposit? Yuk.
* * *
Once again our hospital excels. We had an 8.15 am appointment and then we had to attend a 'walk-in' X-Ray. We were in the hospital one hour total, including the compulsory 15 minute wait after a test.
The only downside was we expected to be longer and then go onto another appointment, but we were far too early and came home for an hour.
Monday, 9 November 2009
The Fall
No, not autumn.
Another anniversary today. The 'fall' of the Berlin Wall. It didn't actually come down on this date but today was when restrictions were lifted and crowds of people climbed onto and over.
20 years ago.
Another anniversary today. The 'fall' of the Berlin Wall. It didn't actually come down on this date but today was when restrictions were lifted and crowds of people climbed onto and over.
20 years ago.
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Carelessness
SS left the tap running at the kitchen sink. Flooding would be an exaggeration but water went over the worktops, in the utensils drawers and on the floor.
After it was cleared up, he made some lunch and left the ring on.
If he'd done it the other way around at least any fire might get extinguished.
* * *
Oh...by the way...The Oasis of the Seas made it safely under the bridge.
After it was cleared up, he made some lunch and left the ring on.
If he'd done it the other way around at least any fire might get extinguished.
* * *
Oh...by the way...The Oasis of the Seas made it safely under the bridge.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Both codes
Today's footie games on TV are not excessively appealing to me. Looks like an easy win for Arsenal and I only like to watch them normally if they may slip up. I make an exception for European games.
Luckily there are two International rugby matches worth watching one Union and one League. It's just a case of whether I can get the necessary streams. I'm confident about getting the Union game, less so the League game, although I do have a source for half an hour's worth, so I should be okay for the last 30 minutes.
* * *
Couldn't get a thing for the Union game. Nothing worked.
But I did get to see the end of the RL which we won, surprisingly.
Luckily there are two International rugby matches worth watching one Union and one League. It's just a case of whether I can get the necessary streams. I'm confident about getting the Union game, less so the League game, although I do have a source for half an hour's worth, so I should be okay for the last 30 minutes.
* * *
Couldn't get a thing for the Union game. Nothing worked.
But I did get to see the end of the RL which we won, surprisingly.
Friday, 6 November 2009
Beyond belief
I've made an effort on this blog to not duplicate or rehash what I say on other forums. But sometimes it's just not possible. Sometimes things have to be said until someone takes note and does something. Not that anyone's reading the blog of course.
Because H1N1 is more likely to hit people with underlying health conditions and more likely to cause them complications, New Brunswick - as with other provinces - included them in a 'priority group' for early vaccinations.
When the clinic was announced for all the people in the priority group, nothing was done about spreading the load or ensuring that priority people would get their shots.
Not surprisingly the clinic was swamped by many non priority people who got their shots either by lying (which many have since admitted) or as a result of the policy not to turn anybody away; a not unreasonable policy for where someone was necessarily attending with the person at risk, but not good where people simply turned up because they felt like it.
Many couldn't wait three hours minimum in line outside in sub zero temeratures and, since then, priorities changed and no longer include the sick and disabled. Masses of clinics have been cancelled, while other places have organised things better.
The new priority group includes some healthy people but excludes those at greater risk of complications. They were supposed to be accounted for in other ways.
Don't know what's happened but finally they have announced vaccination clinics for those not in the new priority group. Is it for those displaced from the original priority group; those at most risk from complications?
Nope.
It's for everyone. That means the clinics willl be even more swamped than the one last week because, now, it won't just be those prepared to lie and take advantage, it'll be everyone.
And who will be the ones less able to stand in line for hours? Either outside when it's likely even colder or inside in a confined space huddled with hundreds (thousands?) of other people in conditions ripe for passing things on?
It really is beyond belief
Because H1N1 is more likely to hit people with underlying health conditions and more likely to cause them complications, New Brunswick - as with other provinces - included them in a 'priority group' for early vaccinations.
When the clinic was announced for all the people in the priority group, nothing was done about spreading the load or ensuring that priority people would get their shots.
Not surprisingly the clinic was swamped by many non priority people who got their shots either by lying (which many have since admitted) or as a result of the policy not to turn anybody away; a not unreasonable policy for where someone was necessarily attending with the person at risk, but not good where people simply turned up because they felt like it.
Many couldn't wait three hours minimum in line outside in sub zero temeratures and, since then, priorities changed and no longer include the sick and disabled. Masses of clinics have been cancelled, while other places have organised things better.
The new priority group includes some healthy people but excludes those at greater risk of complications. They were supposed to be accounted for in other ways.
Don't know what's happened but finally they have announced vaccination clinics for those not in the new priority group. Is it for those displaced from the original priority group; those at most risk from complications?
Nope.
It's for everyone. That means the clinics willl be even more swamped than the one last week because, now, it won't just be those prepared to lie and take advantage, it'll be everyone.
And who will be the ones less able to stand in line for hours? Either outside when it's likely even colder or inside in a confined space huddled with hundreds (thousands?) of other people in conditions ripe for passing things on?
It really is beyond belief
Thursday, 5 November 2009
One of the great news headlines
Man turns up alive at own funeral
The deceased was wrongly identified in Brazil. Apparently they hold funerals the next day which just happened to be a special day when people go to cemeteries to honour the dead. So he goes along, having been out with friends overnight rather than dying in a car crash, and discovers his funeral.
Here's one from today's local paper.
Man charged for eating donair in the nude
I take it there's no crime if it was a curry?
The deceased was wrongly identified in Brazil. Apparently they hold funerals the next day which just happened to be a special day when people go to cemeteries to honour the dead. So he goes along, having been out with friends overnight rather than dying in a car crash, and discovers his funeral.
Here's one from today's local paper.
Man charged for eating donair in the nude
I take it there's no crime if it was a curry?
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
The darkness comes
So the clocks went back an hour here at the weekend.
Yesterday it was completely dark at 5.40pm but last week at the same time - 6.40pm if you see what I mean - I was out on my bike, not needing lights and no street lights on.
This always seems to happen. You expect it to get darker a little earlier gradually as winter gets closer but putting the clocks back an hour seems to make it darker two hours earlier within a couple of days.
Yesterday it was completely dark at 5.40pm but last week at the same time - 6.40pm if you see what I mean - I was out on my bike, not needing lights and no street lights on.
This always seems to happen. You expect it to get darker a little earlier gradually as winter gets closer but putting the clocks back an hour seems to make it darker two hours earlier within a couple of days.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Wow
Our hospital is truly amazing. It is so well run.
We had to go for a TB test today - appontment at 10.00 - before going on for a doctor's appointment somewhere else for 12.15. In between time we hoped to be able to fit in a blood test, rather than come back for it later.
Did the TB test on the 6th floor. Did the blood test on the ground floor. Too early to go on to the doctor's office so came back home. Got in by 10.30.
And 15 minutes of that was having to wait after the TB test before being able to leave!!
We had to go for a TB test today - appontment at 10.00 - before going on for a doctor's appointment somewhere else for 12.15. In between time we hoped to be able to fit in a blood test, rather than come back for it later.
Did the TB test on the 6th floor. Did the blood test on the ground floor. Too early to go on to the doctor's office so came back home. Got in by 10.30.
And 15 minutes of that was having to wait after the TB test before being able to leave!!
Monday, 2 November 2009
Missing teen
A girl has been missing for several weeks now. The RCMP has been criticized for a slow reaction; some even suggesting it's because she was "only" First Nation.
I'm not so sure. From time to time there are 'crimes' reported and the RCMP appear guarded, even reticent in their comments and releases of information. One begins to see a pattern that things may not be what they seem.
I do wonder if this is another one; they even seemed very confident of a happy outcome at one point as if they believed she'd gone off with a boyfriend or something.
That's not to say things have changed since but time is dragging on now and that's a concern.
We'll see.
I'm not so sure. From time to time there are 'crimes' reported and the RCMP appear guarded, even reticent in their comments and releases of information. One begins to see a pattern that things may not be what they seem.
I do wonder if this is another one; they even seemed very confident of a happy outcome at one point as if they believed she'd gone off with a boyfriend or something.
That's not to say things have changed since but time is dragging on now and that's a concern.
We'll see.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Warm and windy
Very windy all day yesterday and I don't recall seeing any weather warning about it, when we've had warnings for more mild days.
Stepped out onto the deck last night and it was actually a warm wind. According to the weather site it got warmer into the evening and reached 19 degrees. It's been hovering around zero and under for the last week or so.
Two very brief power cuts last night messed up setting the clocks back an hour.
* * *
The H1N1 vaccination problems continue. Priority groups have been revised. Those previously considered to be at risk are less at risk now [sarcasm] hooray [/sarcasm] and the official sources of information show cancelled vaccination clinics with no explanations and no means of making enquiries.
Stepped out onto the deck last night and it was actually a warm wind. According to the weather site it got warmer into the evening and reached 19 degrees. It's been hovering around zero and under for the last week or so.
Two very brief power cuts last night messed up setting the clocks back an hour.
* * *
The H1N1 vaccination problems continue. Priority groups have been revised. Those previously considered to be at risk are less at risk now [sarcasm] hooray [/sarcasm] and the official sources of information show cancelled vaccination clinics with no explanations and no means of making enquiries.
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