Taking a little paws

Is it just me or does that upper sign say Private Pawking?

 

Still fighting the fight

Make sure you watch The Rick Mercer Report and check out his most recent rant about the York University professor who, along with his family, is being turfed out of the country because his son has Down syndrome. For a lot of people, this discrimination will be big new news. It is big in our family, too, but certainly not a new story. Our son Jim received his citizenship in 2011 after years of applications, rejections, appeals, fees, more fees, rejections and finally, because we were so lucky to have decent people working with us, citizenship in 2011. Aside from us, this has been happening for years for families who want to come to Canada. Check wth the Canadian Association for Community Living for countless files on such cases. We love Rick Mercer and we’re so glad he’s brought this issue to recent light. It’s frustrating, horrible, exasperating — but it’s not new! Maybe this new light, though, will rectify the situation. Down syndrome does not equal ‘burden to the system.’ Jim has given back very nicely, click and read Jim’s dad post on this.

Mark your calendars

Happy spring 2016

Earth Hour, a time to pause

It was this tweet photo by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau that reminded us to shut down and turn off for a little while tonight. Jim was off at a Blades hockey game, so Rick and I lit candles and just talked for an hour. Nice. Maybe it doesn’t make a huge electrical consumption difference (or maybe it does?), but at the very least, it gives us reason to spend some quiet time together with nice mood lighting.

Beautiful Istanbul

Having just returned from this fascinating city, we are saddened to hear of the growing unrest in Turkey, the most recent tragedy and back in January on Sultanahmet Square, literally steps from our hotel. So many of the people we met in February were so welcoming and friendly, and we wish them an end to the troubles and a peaceful future.

Blushing bride shakes up wedding industry

Model Madeline Stuart is adding some lovely diversity to wedding industry marketing. Gorgeous photos by Sarah Houston.

 

Even dozen

If my counting is correct, the spring issue of Saskatoon HOME marks my 12th cover story! Grab your copy; that’s publisher Amanda Soulodre showing how easy it is to pick one up at various locations, including Sobey’s. And if you’ve got an idea for a story that showcases what makes living in Saskatoon great, let me know.

 

Regretting this one

We’re not big buyers when we travel. Sure, maybe a Christmas ornament, an apron, maybe maybe a piece of art. We were in the Middle East, Turkey and England (Jim bought himself a coffee cup), gone a month, and we claimed less than $100 coming back into Canada. But, but… this one got away from me. At an outdoor cafe overlooking the Bosphorus in Istanbul, I fell in love with this beat up copper tea pot. They’re made by Demlik Teas, server Mustafa told me. I even saw them later in the Grand Bazaar. But did I get one? Nooooooo…. At least I have pretty pictures made even more gorgeous by our tea drinking neighbours at the next table.

This looks promising

We’re looking forward to this movie. In Where Hope Grows, a baseball player whose professional career was cut short due to his personal problems is suddenly awakened and invigorated by a young man with Down syndrome who works at the local grocery store.