I am hoping to visit some dear friends in the United States sometime during the summer. In the past, these friends have traveled to my home in northeastern Ontario. I have only crossed just over the Canada-USA border and that was years ago. Back then, the entry requirements were much different from today. These new requirements, unfortunately, have led to a noticeable decline in tourism between the USA and Canada. I certainly hope this situation will one day rebound, but I think the entry requirements are confusing to some, and perhaps also resented by others. It is a shame that tourism is down because the citizens are not visiting their neighbouring countries. This not only hurts the economies of both countries, it also affects the image of each country as first hand opportunities to learn about either the USA or Canada directly have become less common.
Canada is blessed with many wonderful national parks. I have primarily visited national parks in the eastern provinces Canada, including Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. I hope to visit the western provinces of Canada some day. A definite “wish list” location is Banff, Alberta.
To me, Parks Canada proudly represents these lovely locations nationwide and has done so for many years.
Parks Canada will mark the 125th anniversary of Canada’s national parks system this year with a freebie.
On July 17 people will be allowed to visit parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas without having to pay a fee.
A few days ago, my daughter went to the playground to enjoy some nice time outdoors. The winters here in northeastern Ontario are cold and snowy, so she was excited to spend time at the playground. The weather is not actually warm yet, but now that spring has arrived, our mindset is to enjoy outdoor time whenever possible. The park is very close to our home. In fact, I am able to watch her play from where we live. She proudly went to play and was having a nice time. Unfortunately, she came back home after about 10 minutes. She was crying and very upset. Some boys at the playground began making fun of her and the fact she has autism. When she returned home, she told me the boys had said a lot of negative words towards her, and even managed to put down the other family members too. One thing they kept telling her is that she is “dumb because she is special needs.” Yes, my daughter has autism, but she is not dumb…far from it actually. She is in grade 4 and her last report card had only A’s and B’s for grades. She has made a lot of progress since being diagnosed at the age of 2 and I thank God for her improvement. The boys who were making fun are in grade 2, so I know their understanding of autism is likely limited. Still, it was not right that they were making fun of my daughter and her family. I walked back to the playground with my daughter to talk with the boys. When we walked up, the boys ran off to try to hide from us. Then, the mom of one of the boys came up and told me “you’d better not yell at my son.” I worked hard and remained calm and told her I was not going to. She said “I’m just warning you.” I asked the boys what happened and got some information, but not all, of course. One of the boys apologized. However, the other two did not. At least I got to tell them that my daughter is not stupid, along with reminding them that their put downs are hurtful and not helpful. I know their attention span, especially on a spring day, is not long-lasting. Still, it was worthwhile to me to come back to the playground with my daughter. Not sure how much was accomplished, but I have keep at this both when it comes to helping my daughter and to educating and informing those who do not understand the “misunderstood child.”
This is a photograph taken at the border crossing between the province of Alberta and the Northwest Territories in Canada. It was taken at the 60th parallel north. Here in Canada, there was also a really good television show produced in the 1990’s calledNorth of 60. North of 60 is one of my favourite television shows. It is highly regarded by many Canadians. In addition, the program has been shown in numerous other countries as well. Of course, living in and traveling north of the 60th parallel is the best way to learn about this part of the world. One of the biggest attractions is Arctic golf, especially during the months of June and July. If golf brings to mind the snowbird-filled expanses in Arizona or the dulcet southern-accented courses in North Carolina, you may be missing out on one of Canada’s hidden golf delights: arctic sun. That’s right, in June and July golfers can golf around the clock in the land where summer daylight never gives way to night. And golf is popular – if eclectic – north of 60º, with more than 25 courses to delight sports fans. Of course you have to watch out for the ravens – they sometimes steal the balls. Here are some of the highlights of Canada’s arctic golf scene: The Yellowknife Golf Club This club, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2008, has to be imbued with the spirit of golf. Fifty golfers first brought the game to Yellowknife in 1948, with the boyish sense of adventure and innovation that settled the country: members hauled an old DC-3 fuselage onto the smooth Precambrian rock and used it as the first clubhouse. Legends surround the course – there are reports of ravens stealing balls, and visits by the occasional black bear over the years. But as its website reads, “We have yet to lose a golfer.” Visitors are welcomed at the club, whose most famous tournament is the Canadian North Midnight Classic, played on the June 21st weekend of each year. Golfers tee off at midnight and play as long as they can – in 1970, Sandy Hutchinson made club history with 171 holes of golf played during a 33.5 hour marathon. The course is carved out of the Canadian Shield: a sand golf course of eighteen holes, set among beautiful Jack pines and beside Long Lake. Mountain View Golf Course Mountain View Golf Course, located in the city of Whitehorse, offers an eighteen hole course containing three sets of tees, rolling tree-lined fairways, scenic views, and a variety of tournaments, including their own midnight sun event. Other events include the Peter Gzowski Invitational, the Klondike Cup (which includes the Meadow Lakes course), and the longest-running stroke play tournament in the Yukon – the Coca-Cola championship. Ulukhaktok Golf CourseUlukhaktok has one of the oldest golf histories in the North. In 1969 a trader for the Hudson’s Bay Company named Billy Joss brought the game to the community, playing out on the ice by himself. By 1983 golf had become popular enough that when the community received funding for recreational facilities, they spent the money on a golf course, establishing the world’s most northern course. Of course it brings its challenges – golfers sometimes have to putt around a muskox. The course is located right on the tundra, with specially crafted woven mats provided for teeing off. Each summer the Billy Joss Open Celebrity Golf Tournament is held in the third week of July, and has included participants from the Edmonton Oilers, and Alison Gzowski who continues her father’s tradition of participating in golf tournaments to raise funds for literacy programmes in the north. The three-day tournament includes both day and night golfing, again under the 24-hr sun. Hay River Golf and Country ClubThe Hay River golf course is the only grass course north of 60º. Hay River is located south of Yellowknife, across the Great Slave Lake. It is a nine-hole course and includes a clubhouse. If you have not had a chance to travel north of the 60th parallel, please do so. It is definitely a unique, worthwhile experience. Bon Voyage! Credit: 50plus.net
I have long wanted to spend a few days at a nice resort and spa. So, instead of just thinking of it, I have made plans to do just that. I spend a lot of time caring for my children, including taking care of my daughter, who has autism. I am looking forward to spending a few days at a spa. I hope you get a chance to experience one of these outstanding destinations:
Got the gambling itch? The folks at TripAtlas.com have come up a list of the top ten casino and gambling destinations worldwide. Here’s hoping lady lucky shines down on you.
10 Best Places in the World to Gamble
Las Vegas. Nothing beats Sin City when it comes to the best place in the world for gambling. From the fountains of the Bellagio or the craps table at Caesar’s Palace, Vegas is legendary – and remember,”what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” More on Las Vegas? Discover Las Vegas’ Most Exclusive Boutique Hotels.
Club Sea Breeze is simply awesome. The main focus will be on Club Sea Breeze itself. That is my primary focus. I will also include the information for those who may be interested the money manager product. This is also a fabulous product. In each case, the videos below feature Mr. Kelly Williams. He is one of the founders of Club Sea Breeze.
Remember, no blackout dates, no maintenance fees of any kind. Your cost to become involved is either $397.00 lifetime or $337.00 lifetime. Either way, this is a lifetime cost. No hidden fees of any kind.
Vacations are great, but we all know memories fade and the good times usually end up on the bottom of the closet, or worse, left on the camera! Everyone has a drawer with old pictures in it. These memories start to blend together and, soon enough, you don’t even remember what beach that was. Here’s a few fresh ways to help keep your vacations alive! Bon Voyage!
My home country of Canada is blessed with having some spectacular scenery. Tourists come from around the world to take in the sites, while enjoying top notch restaurants, shopping, sporting events, museums, and the like. Of course, a lot of people also travel to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls for their honeymoon. Please note that there are other really nice destinations in Canada for those looking for a romantic getaway. Here’s a small sampling….
The one-foot high kick is clearly not an Arctic winter sport for the uncoordinated. Starting from a running or standing position, competitors must hit the suspended target with one foot and land on the same foot without losing their balance. In the two-foot high kick, they must hit the target with both feet simultaneously and then land on two feet at once. The height of the target is increased until there are no competitors left standing.
A few days ago, my daughter went to the playground to enjoy some nice time outdoors. The winters here in northeastern Ontario are cold and snowy, so she was excited to spend time at the playground. The weather is not actually warm yet, but now that spring has arrived, our mindset is to enjoy outdoor time whenever possible. The park is very close to our home. In fact, I am able to watch her play from where we live. She proudly went to play and was having a nice time. Unfortunately, she came back home after about 10 minutes. She was crying and very upset. Some boys at the playground began making fun of her and the fact she has autism. When she returned home, she told me the boys had said a lot of negative words towards her, and even managed to put down the other family members too. One thing they kept telling her is that she is “dumb because she is special needs.” Yes, my daughter has autism, but she is not dumb…far from it actually. She is in grade 4 and her last report card had only A’s and B’s for grades. She has made a lot of progress since being diagnosed at the age of 2 and I thank God for her improvement. The boys who were making fun are in grade 2, so I know their understanding of autism is likely limited. Still, it was not right that they were making fun of my daughter and her family. I walked back to the playground with my daughter to talk with the boys. When we walked up, the boys ran off to try to hide from us. Then, the mom of one of the boys came up and told me “you’d better not yell at my son.” I worked hard and remained calm and told her I was not going to. She said “I’m just warning you.” I asked the boys what happened and got some information, but not all, of course. One of the boys apologized. However, the other two did not. At least I got to tell them that my daughter is not stupid, along with reminding them that their put downs are hurtful and not helpful. I know their attention span, especially on a spring day, is not long-lasting. Still, it was worthwhile to me to come back to the playground with my daughter. Not sure how much was accomplished, but I have keep at this both when it comes to helping my daughter and to educating and informing those who do not understand the “misunderstood child.”
This is a photograph taken at the border crossing between the province of Alberta and the Northwest Territories in Canada. It was taken at the 
