The sound of jets...

I was not pleased recently to read of, and listen to, reports in the Toronto media of people being upset with the annual air show at the Canadian National Exhibition. Their contention is that the sound of military jets is the sound of oppression for many refugees. There are claims that the sound of jets is the sound of hell raining down on people who had experienced first hand the terror of living in a war zone. Okay, I can understand that. But welcome to Canada, the land of freedom and tolerance. This is where we choose to let others live and let live.  If you don’t like the sound of military jets, fine. Don’t listen. Tune it out. Ignore it. You’re in Canada. The chance of a military jet raining down terror on the population here is quite remote. If you want to live in Canada, get used to other people living their lives too. We Canadians are made of sterner stuff than getting upset at the sound of a military jet.

Besides, I come from a military family. I grew up with the sound of jets. I know that jets are also the sound of freedom, when those jets are deployed against tyrants in other parts of the world. Yes, Canadian warplanes have done their share of raining hell down on the bad guys. Sorry if that offends, but hey, you want to be a Canadian, then get used to other people having different opinion. Jets are the sound of redemption when our troops are pinned down or trapped by the enemy. When our jets are sent in on a ground support mission, it means our troops have a better chance of coming home from a dangerous mission.

I know some people might not like that, but here in Canada we have values that override your personal opinions. So maybe it’s time to consider how others think and learn to go along and get along.

Complaining, nicely

Sometimes you have to complain. I was paying my bills this morning when I noticed the cost of my digital subscription to the New York Times was more than $25! When I signed up last year, it was only $12.94 a month. I called the 800 number and was greeted by a pleasant customer service call-centre person. After a brief and good-natured chat, where I said I would have to quit the service. she offered to renew my digital subscription and chopped the price back down to about $10 a month for the next year.  Nice, very nice.

A perfect Northern Ontario weekend...

Well the Labour Day weekend was one of the best times so far this summer. Claudette and I drove down to Westree for a visit. Who knew that we would end up playing Texas Horseshoes?  It was more fun that I expected. I loved spending so much time with Tyler and Nathan, who haven’t yet learned how to stop growing tall!

Don, Jennifer and Scott got out to do some serious fishing. And I mean serious. Look at those pickerel. Jenn caught the five-pound monster on the right, out of Opikinimika Lake. We had an amazing fish fry at the camp Saturday night. Don and Denise were the usual masters of hospitality. Supper was excellent. An evening around the bonfire was perfect.

We also got a tour of Denise’s garden. I was impressed. Along with her many other talents, Denise has a green thumb. I was pleased as well when she donated a couple a fresh turnips. Claudette and I cooked them up with some mashed potatoes and cabbage rolls when we got back to Timmins Sunday night. Wow, I amazed at how often I forget how good it is to have real food, fresh food.

And I know Jennifer is reading, so here in the info on the wine. It’s a French Red and you will love it:

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo/product/philippe-de-rothschild-pinot-noir-pays-d-oc/628289#.V82q8VsrLcs