Coffee Time

Jodi and I had my boss and his wife over for coffee this morning.  It was the first time they have had a chance to come up here to see our place.  It was nice to catch up and visit before the holidays.  They have been so good to me over the years and I really appreciate them giving me a second chance to work for them the last few years.  I got a pair of binoculars from them which I am going to put to good use.  I will probably see them again early in the new year for a coffee.  I am going to the Landscaping Convention in January as my boss got us all tickets.  I am hoping to look in to a few pieces of equipment for next year.  I am not sure if I will have a chance to start my own business in the near future but,  I would like to start accumulating some of my own tools.  I will search out some customers for some summer pruning next year on the weekends.  I am quite accomplished at pruning and know I could get some business if I put some effort in to it.

Jodi was picketing on Friday morning for one of the planned walk outs scheduled by ETFO.  I walked down with Ollie to support them for a while.  I truly hope the two sides can get together and come to a compromise.  The general public may think it is about money but,  that really has nothing to do with it.  I believe the teachers union already agreed to a pay freeze last year.  The issue has more to do with the lack of negotiation from the governments side.  Bill 115 that was passed by the Ontario Legislature gives the Education Minister an absorbent amount of power and essentially gives the union no power to negotiate a fair contract for all involved.  The Charter of Rights it seems has been thrown out the window and I am proud that ETFO has taken a stand.  People may or may not understand the position of the teachers but,  I believe they are fighting for their democratic rights.  It would be easy for them to give in and let the government have their way but,  what would that teach the students they so proudly educate on a daily basis.  It would teach them that when confronting a challenging situation,  it is fine to just give up without standing up for yourself and what you believe in.  I know unions are often a touchy subject but,  I am proud of ETFO for what they are trying to accomplish.

I was horrified to hear about the tragic news in New Town, Connecticut.  Such a senseless act of violence that will have an ever lasting impact on those families and community.  My thoughts and prayers go out to them in this difficult time.  I simply do not understand why there has always been such a fight in America to have the right to bear arms.  The amount of people that have died from a bullet from a hand gun is mind boggling.  I just do not get it but,  I fear nothing will ever change.

My mind has been fairly relaxed of late.  I have been taking my increased dose of medications and making a conscience effort to slow my thoughts down.  I am really looking forward to the holiday season and visiting Jodi's family out east.  I am quite fortunate to have such wonderful in-laws.  Karen and Bernie have always made feel like one of the family and have been very good to me.  I will also get a chance to catch up with her brother Duane and his girlfriend Erin.  We should have some spirited games of Wizard which is one of the best games ever.

I think we might watch ELF tonight.  A classic Christmas movie and I am a huge fan of Will Ferrell.
I hope you have a great end to your weekend.  Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Change is only possible if we push for it.