Minority

Last night we Ontarians elected a minority government. Good. I like minority governments. It means that politicians have to act like adults instead of bullies. It means that politicians have to work together, find common ground, compromise, conciliate, instead of running roughshod. I only wish the constitution could be changed so that elections could only be called every four years. Then minority governments would have to work together.

Three Random Thoughts About Elections:
1. When are we going to get electronic ballots?
2. I love election night TV, but I am not sure why. I am not a political junkie.
3. Lawn signs other than pink flamingos and roofer signs. But please take them down after the election!

Election Day

Today we go to the polls to elect a new government. It is fitting that the election comes around Thanksgiving, don't you think? What a privilege it is to be able to vote and voice your opinion about the results. Maybe we take it all for granted, but so many people in this world are not so fortunate. I give thanks that I am a Canadian.

Three things I like about Canada:
1. Freedom to be me;
2. Openness to ideas;
3. Changing seasons.

What do you like about Canada?

I am off to do a funeral today. Contrary to most people, I find preparing for funerals uplifting. In the face of death, I discover anew the joy of life. Re-reading the texts, I am comforted that as pleasant and good as life may be, there is more to come. And somehow, death brings us together like nothing else. We share our vulnerabilities and affirm our need for human community.

3 Important words to leave with mourners:
1. Presence: God is with us all through life and in death (Ps 23)
2. Life: death does not have the final word. Jesus does and that word is...
3. Resurrection: Jesus graciously shares his victory with us.

I'm In

I finally arrived in the 21st century. Got myself a cell phone. Smart phone to boot, not that any of the phones were labelled Dumb phones.

Three things about cell phone users that annoy me:
1. not turning them off before attending a public function;
2. having to check them every five minutes--what can be so important, people?
3. people gabbing at a high volume in a crowded place--is nothing personal anymore?

Time will tell if I end up as an annoying phone user.

Sunday Morning Driving

I love driving on Sunday mornings. The streets are almost completely empty. The windows in most homes are dark. All that is stirring is a few squirrels and some faithful dog owners taking their dogs for a walk. Lovely.

It is as it should be.

Three things about Sunday morning streets:
1. squirrels etching their "w" lines across the street;
2. the lack of cars with stereos blasting so loudly that MY car shakes;
3. no tailgaters.

Fall is Here

Today felt so fallish. Grey sky, wind, rain, a bit in the air. Perfect.
Three things I like about fall:
1. Rainy days;
2. Colourful leaves;
3. Football

Pre-Season

Pre-season hockey is here. That means:
1. Watching players who you will never see again;
2. Missed passes;
3. Leaving games early.

Can't wait until the real games start.

The NHL

Three Things That Bug Me About the NHL
1. Inconsistent penalty calls;
2. "Compete" means "License to Maim";
3. Season drags on far too long--this is mid June and they are still playing. Give me a break.

Three Things I Like About the Mavs

1. They beat the Heat. Thought the "Big 3" were a bit arrogant to promise all those championships. I hope they win zero.
2. Dirk. A big European player gets his due.
3. Cuban. With an owner this dynamic, you just had to root for them. At least once. Next year - the Raptors!

Three Things I Like About Working From Home

1. Dogs sleeping at my feet;
2. Don't have to shave;
3. Did I mention, dogs?

three things I like about dogs

1. their unconditional love;
2. they never complain, no matter how much they hurt;
3. their wagging tails as I come into the door.

Three Good Things About Monday's Election

1. a majority government means no election for at least four years-millions of dollars saved;
2. a social conscience party is the official opposition--if the Tories try to trample on the rights of those deemed "unworthy" the NDP will raise a ruckus;
3. the separatist party (Bloc) was pretty much destroyed. That doesn't mean separatism is dead, just dormant. May it sleep forever.

Fresh Look

New glasses came yesterday. It is amazing how much clearer things appear to be. Took a bit of getting used to, though. When I looked down while walking, it was like I was drunk, the ground rushed up so fast, it looked closer and bigger than I was used to.

No Wash Out

It almost seemed that the weather was trying to wash out Ash Wednesday. Rain, snow, and wind combined with temperatures hoovering around zero made it bleak outside. It was, in a way, a fitting beginning to Lent.

Attendance was low--not many wanted to brave the weather. But no matter how bad it was, the black ashes were applied; they wouldn't be expunged by a little storm.

On with Lent.

Lent

Lent is so often associated with "giving up' things. Why not take on more? Why not spend more time in reflection or meditation? Why not spent more time reading or serving? Why not?

3 Things I Like About Lent

1. The hymns
2. Ash Wednesday Service
3. Fasting--I do.

Missing Kasey

Today the grass is really showing. Kasey loved the grass. On days like today, she would go out, sniff the grass, then just sit, her nose into the wind. It is too bad she didn't live long enough to be able to see today.

Here she is enjoying the sunshine--on the grass.

Rest In Peace, Kasey

Today my heart is broken. We have to put our beloved Kasey down. She is 14, came to us as a rescue dog. We have had her 8 years. We love her tons.

Rest in Peace sweetest doggie. May doggie heaven have milkbones, liver treats, and fluffy pillows to lie on. And may it be next door to human heaven so we can visit when I get there.