Queen's Park Rally

On Tuesday, August 28th, I joined thousands of ETFO members and supporters from across the province, as we converged on Queen's Park to tell the Premier that betraying education professionals, tearing up collective agreements and curtailing the rights of citizens is an unacceptable way to run our province.  Inside, the Education Minister tabled legislation that many argue is unconstitutional, in that it prevents teachers from negotiating a fair collective agreement with their employer, a right that is guaranteed by law.  It seems that our Premier believes he is above the law and we, the citizens of Ontario, were there to tell him that he is wrong!

Teachers and supporters join in protest at Queen's Park 

A large group of Limestone teachers attended the rally

Limestone teachers stand up for democratic rights!

OECTA members express displeasure over the MOU, which they, as members did not get to vote on!

McGuinty's own words may come back to haunt him!

Buy-A-Net Presentation!

On Wednesday, August 15th, I was invited to speak to students at the St. Peter's Bible Camp in Trenton, about the work of Buy-A-Net.  Many interested students listened carefully about the work of this great organization and their questions revealed careful thought and concern for the citizens of Uganda.  The camp is collecting money to make a donation to BAN and they hope that by helping others they can make a difference in the world.  Well done students!

Students listen carefully about the work of BAN!!!

Deer Island Trip

Here we are heading across to Deer Island, New Brunswick, our annual summer jaunt.  Pat spent his childhood here and each summer the island calls him home.  This year Pat, Adrian and I were joined by my niece Marion, Adrian's friend Dylan, another niece Sarah, Pat's sister Corrine (Sarah's mom) and Pat's other sister Theresa and husband Laurie.   The weather was good, for the most part.  Marion experienced one day of fog but she seemed content to use the day to view the olympics.  Her first ocean kayak trip was exciting.  It seems she was visited by a whale.  A few days later Dylan decided to engage in a similar encounter.  It was a good trip and now that we are home memories of beach glass, fog horns and lobster rolls linger in our minds.  

Classic Canadians:  Olympic glasses, Tim's coffee and a Frontenac shirt!

Dylan is all smiles!

Marion communes with the whale!

Deer Island Blueberries!

Trip to the Cottage!

On Tuesday, July 31st, I took Mom and Dad to my sister's cottage on Canonto Lake.  On the way we stopped at the garden and Mom and Dad checked out the shed.  On the way home we stopped again and I was surprised with an early birthday present from Pat and Adrian.  I now have a new bench to sit on when I need to take a rest from gardening.

The new shed!

A place to rest!