Politics

Well, Hmmm, 2 days ago, this decision was nowhere on our horizon. As you are all well aware, there is a Federal Election coming up. Our riding is in the middle of Oil Country. Ft.McMurray/Athabasca. The only parties with candidates were the Conservatives and the Liberals. (Really, those are the parties that represent the majority of the people in this are) Ryan and I were feeling conflicted. We really wanted to vote in this election, but we did not want to vote for either option. We have always leaned left on the political spectrum. So, Ryan decided to do something about the situation, rather than abstain from voting, or vote for a party we don't want.

He decided (with my full support) to enter the running as a candidate for the Green Party. It just seemed right to have an alternative voice to try to temper the gross misuse of our natural resources.

We are in the heart of Oil Country. The majority of people depend on oil for their living - directly or indirectly. The desire to make that extra buck has led Oil to sacrifice the environment, our water, and precious agricultural land. These are resources that are vital to the health and survival of all of Canada. It is time for Albertans to become more considerate of nature and become stewards of it's wellbeing.

Do we expect to win the seat? No. That would be quite a feat! We just want to give the people who live in our area a choice that tells others "Enough!" "It's time to change our values and start to take care of our country's physical needs"

So, the next 3 weeks are going to be very busy around here. We are new to this political thing and we will learn as we go. It will be quite an experience! How many people can say "I ran for office in a Federal election"!?!

My Grandma's memorial

My grandmother passed away on July 22. My family got together in Gibsons on Aug 18 to remember her.

Here are some pictures of that memorial and a few of her over the years.

We planted a magniloa tree in her honour and mixed her ashes into the soil around the tree. Everyone took a turn mixing her into the dirt and spreading it under the tree. Later, we all took a turn watering the tree. The tree will bloom around her birthday. Big white blossoms.

A big suitcase filled with photos surfaced as her kids cleared out her room. I never knew these photos existed. I really enjoyed looking through them. Many were old family snapshots from when her kids were young. Others were family snapshots from when my Grandmother was young. I also saw her wedding picture, her parents 50th anniversary picture, and another of her parents as young adults. In many ways I felt like I was learning about a whole new part of who she was. My aunt will be scanning the best of those pictures and I am looking forward to having those files.

And finally, a few pics from the last few times I saw her.

Monkeys

They had a lot of fun playing together on Monday. Ethan lost it on the way home....again... and quickly fell asleep when we got home... again. At least he had a good nap!

The leaves are starting to turn yellow and red. I've had frost on my windshield twice. Summer is gone. :-( It happened literally overnight. One day, Evelyn is playing in the sprinkler and we had to have the fans on in the house. The next, day I had frost on my windshield and we had to turn the furnace on. It was a good summer.