l’automne

Tags

Canada, CANCER, Hope, Marathon, Terry Fox, USA

Today is the first day of the Autumn Season, a beautiful time of the year.

Today was the annual Terry Fox run for Cancer research. This is an event celebrated all over Canada and around the world where the Canadian Embassies organize marches and runs for cancer research. Canadians are very much into this cause.

Here you see Canadians running on the Confederation Bridge which crosses the Strait between mainland Canada and Prince Edward Island, to raise money for cancer research… Meanwhile, in America over 1 million people are lining up to attend the funeral of someone who was against the civil rights act, against freedom of expression to be who you want to be, against women having career outside “the home” and supporting the notion that laws in civil society should be determined by a dominant religion.

This photo was taken on the Confederation Bridge today (length 12.9 km) by a participant, Islanders love to do this and many remember when their whole family participated including elderly grandparents. For those of you who may not know who Terry Fox was, here is a short synopsis of his story.

Terrance Stanley Fox was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. In 1980, having had one leg amputated due to cancer, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. He was unable to complete his race across the whole of Canada due to his cancer, he died at the age of 22 in 1981. He raised in his marathon more than $850 million dollars. To this day this marathon is to celebrate his memory and help each other.

Palestine

Tags

Canada, country, G7, Mark Carney, Palestine, Peace, sovereignty, State

Statement from the Prime Minister of Canada, Dr. Mark Carney, O.C., P.C. M.P., 21 September 2025.

Today Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel. Canada does so as part of a co-ordinated international effort to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution. While Canada is under no illusions that this recognition is a panacea, this recognition is firmly aligned with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights reflected in the United Nations Charter, and the consistent policy of Canada for generations.

Recognizing the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence.

With our international partners, Canada supports the development of a credible peace plan, democratic governance and clear security arrangements for Palestine, and the sustained, large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza.”

-30-

Personally I am happy with this dénouement, for many years many of us working at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa and serving in the region were hoping for progress on this file and recognition. Since 1947 the solution was two States, history and politics gave us this conflict. This recognition by Canada breaks with the position of the USA and President Trump. As of today some 155 Countries in the World recognizes the State of Palestine.

Canada became the first G7 nation to recognize of a Palestinian state, with Prime Minister Mark Carney saying on Sunday it “offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future”.

Jeudi

Tags

Canada, Charlottetown, cruise ships, Italy, Painters, PEI, Rome, Torlonia

I was looking at the exhibits on show currently in Rome, every month new exhibit opens, either on a painter or a school of painting or on artists in various field.

This morning I saw this painting by Francesco Trombadori, (1886-1961)a view of the Campidoglio visto dal Foro, c.1945. This painting is in the style of the school of Rome, he was a prominent figure of the school. Oil on canvas, 71cm x 83cm, on view at the museum of the Villa Torlonia. Which was located just a block away from our home.

Yesterday working as a guide, we had 5,300 client, next week we are expecting around 9,000. Lots of tours, September and October are the top of the Season. For a city of 80,000 people that is quite the addition for the day.

The Silver Seas Ship was anchored in the bay. On the photo is the Zuiderdam and and Volendam.

This and that

Tags

Anne of Green Gables, Canada, Cavendish, fighter jets, PEI, RCAF, Saab Gripen

The news today is that Canada will cancel the F35 fighter planes with the USA, for various reasons, one being the cost of each plane, but there is more to this upcoming decision by the Government. The Swedish Saab fighter jet Gripen is apparently the alternative. A contract worth billions and a net loss for the USA. For one it would be built in Canada, equipped and maintain here, probably in Montreal. The news is to come out on Sept 22. It would also align Canada more with Europe and less with the USA. The fleet of new submarines may see a contract awarded to Germany or South Korea, not the USA, and so on.

So today I had a full day of tours with two groups of 100 American tourists. It went well and the weather was beautiful. I had an idea this morning and told the supervisor at work that we should dress men as Anne of Green Gables in drag, he thought it was a good idea and quite funny. Well I get to Green Gables in Cavendish and see that one company beat us to it. The male guide was in drag doing an Anne of Green Gables. He got a great reception, people were laughing, wanted selfies and he did quite well for himself. It is funny what will amuse a crowd over 60. Who said Americans do not like drag.

Anne of Green Gables 2025.

Mid-September

Tags

boycott, Doha, Gaza, Iran, Israel, OIC, Palestine, Politics, Qatar, Trump, war

Time is flying by almost supersonic. The sun now sets at 19:30, and the days are cooler though today was 23C.

I had a long day which started with my getting up at 05:30am to get to work on time for my full day of touring the Island with 50 Americans. They were a good group and fun. We went on roads on the Island which are not often travelled but the panorama is beautiful of rolling valleys and fields. Very much the picture described by author Lucy Maud Montgomery in her books and poetry.

Sunset looking out from our balcony.

Today the 57 nations making up the Organization of Islamic Council, (OIC) gathered to discuss the situation following the bombing of the Capital of Doha, Qatar. They represent about 26% of the population of Earth. Those 57 OIC countries have a combined GDP (at Purchasing power parity; PPP) of US$ 23.948 trillion. The largest economic country based on total PPP and Nominal GDP is Indonesia. The richest country on the basis of GDP per capita at PPP is Qatar, with incomes exceeding $133,357 per capita.

Qatar has been for years a staunch ally of the USA, hosting the largest US Air force base in the region near the Capital Doha. President Trump by giving the green light to Israel to bomb the Capital Doha has basically thrown under the bus a major ally to satisfy the demands of Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel. A country that cannot survive without the billions given annually to the stability of Israel. Why would Trump make such a incredibly stupid gesture? Could it be that he has received hundred of millions from Israel like many Senators and Congressmen?

At the meeting today the Prime Minister of Pakistan made it clear that attacking openly a country hosting the parties negotiating Peace and trying to kill them is completely anathema. Diplomacy is always about respecting your adversary and when negotiating a cease fire or peace this is done under the protection of long established sacrosanct conventions which in fact go back more than 2000 years. Israel chose to do away with such convention in pursuit of supremacy over all. Only rogue States would do such a thing and only with the powerful protection of an ally like Trump. Had Israel succeeded and killed the negotiators it would have ended all peace process. The USA has created a massive problem for itself now, lost credibility, shown the real ally and the only one is Israel. But what about the trade relations, oil, world prices, stock markets, military alliances, to name a few. Not to forget that the OIC controls 1/3 of the energy production in the world. What will happen to the relationship, trade/diplomatic/cultural with all those countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Already many countries in the European Union have not only sanctioned Israel, also cut economic ties, divested themselves of economic investment, suspended flights, imposed visa restrictions and cut cultural and academic ties. The USA is more isolated than ever on this matter and in the long run will be replaced by countries like Russia and China. Once this starts to happen there is no turning back.

I see it here in Canada, Canadians are buying foreign products but NOT USA products, the boycott is full on. Stores have replaced products and no longer offer US products. Consumers have switched and no one is going back. Mild mannered Canadians have become vigilantes and complaining loudly to management to offer other than USA products.

Trump is truly destroying the USA, not just the economy but also its military influence and cooperation. It will be far too late by the time the mid-term roll around. As for Israel and its government of zealots, the future is clouded and ominous. Don’t take my word for it, just read the newspaper in Israel like HAARETZ.

Meeting in Doha, Qatar.

Life goes on

Tags

betrayal, bombing, diplomacy, Israel, Palestine, Qatar, UN, USA, war

This week I returned to do my first tour in a while, I was supposed to do one on Friday, but it was cancelled. I have more in the coming weeks and will work until Halloween when the Season ends. Tourism wise this year has been a bumper year with 30% more tourist, mostly Canadians who do not want to visit the USA. With the coming Winter months, many will now travel to South America or Portugal and Greece. The trend is continuing to avoid the USA. Our neighbours are going on an extended cruise starting in Argentina and ending in Europe, they use to spend months in the Southern US in past winters.

In other news, the violence south of the border continues unabated, anytime I visited the USA, I was always on my guard about guns and shootings anywhere. I became concerned if I saw an argument or people being aggressive, I would just move away quickly. In my career we were constantly briefed on avoiding crowds and “situations”. I have visited war zones and was involved in travel to areas of the world no one would want to go. Lived in the Middle East for years, got death threats and had bodyguards at one point, but that never bothered me really. Going to the USA was always different because of its association with the gun culture.

Political violence is a way of life in the USA, have people forgotten the assassinations of President Kennedy, his brother Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King. This friend of Trump and right wing activist, Charlie Kirk was not in the league of these men, but his inclusion by many is ominous. So far in 2025 there has been 47 school shootings. People say they do not believe it could happen to them, my question is; who do you think it happens to?

The great news today came from the U.N. in New York, the General Assembly voted to recognize the State of Palestine, an overwhelming majority of the Nations of the World, 142 voted in favour of resolution A-80-L1 revision 1, recognizing the 2 State solution Israel and Palestine and called for its implementation, some 80 years after it was first proposed. It was part of the founding charter of Israel in 1948. At the same time it elevates now the status of the State of Palestine from observer to participant. Later this Fall at the meeting of the General Assembly where all member countries are present, a vote will take place to establish once and for all, Palestine as a full member. This means that Israel will have no other choice but to return to it’s borders of 1967 and give up occupying Palestine. The many settlers in the occupied territory of Palestine on the West bank of the Jordan river, will have to move back to Israel.

Some 10 member countries voted against, the USA and Israel leading the way.

In other news the bombing by the Israeli air force of the capital of Qatar with the full knowledge of the USA well in advance of this taking place, leads to a rift and possible lost of influence in the Arab world and in the world in general. Condemnation of Israel and the USA has been general. Qatar could also decide to close the giant USA Air base near the Capital Doha, and cuts ties with the USA. This would be a disaster diplomatically and militarily for the USA. Saudi Arabia is also looking are its ties with the USA.

It would have been impossible for the USA not to know this bombing was going to take place, the Israel planes had to fly towards and over the US base to get to their target. Given the constant monitoring of all flights in the region, the USA could have prevented it. Betrayal of a major ally like Qatar, is a terrible mistake, a visit by VP Vance and Rubio is not going to solve anything. Other nations are quite willing to step in, Russia and China are already, today, making representations. Trump seems to think this is no big deal. On the same day Qatar was bombed, 7 other countries in the region were also bombed by Israel. How can one country attack and bomb with impunity other countries and get away with it, the answer is simple the USA allows it and gives protection.

In a dramatic move, the European Parliament passed a resolution titled “Gaza at Breaking Point,” calling for urgent EU action to combat famine, release Israeli hostages, and recommit to a two-state solution. The vote passed with 305 in favour, 151 against. The European Parliament members demanded immediate aid access, called on EU states to recognize Palestine, and backed sanctions on violent Israeli settlers—including far-right ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir. The resolution also supports suspending bilateral support to Israel and parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

I can see how the USA in 3 years time when the Trump mandate ends, will be greatly diminished as a world power.

Remembering

Tags

baking, Canada, Charles III, cuisine, dessert, Elizabeth II, Food, King, Parsnip, Parsnip cake, Queen, Recipe, recipes, Sovereign

Today Monday 8 September is the third anniversary of the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is also the day her son Charles became King of Canada. Accession day is always a sad day for the new Sovereign, remembering that a parent dies on the day you come to the Throne.

Tomorrow I have a full day of touring with a bunch of tourists, a return to a more regular schedule for me for September. Thursday another day of touring. I make sure I have something to eat while we drop them off at a site. I will be quite tired at the end of the day, only hoping the people are pleasant.

In the meantime, pumpkins have appeared on sale everywhere. This is in preparation for Thanksgiving on 13 October. This is the time of the year to get out all your recipes for squash of all kind, there is such a variety on offer.

Here is a great recipe for PARSNIP CAKE. I recently had this dessert cake at the North Shore Canteen in French River, it was wonderful.

INGREDIENTS

• 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly, plus more for greasing the pan
• 1 1/2 cups (6 3/4 ounces) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground cardamom
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 6 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups peeled, grated parsnips (about 2 medium)
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

FOR THE FROSTING:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 to 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole milk, warmed

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour an 8 1/2-inch by 4 1/2-inch loaf pan.
2. To prepare the cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, cardamom, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
3. In a large bowl, with a wooden spoon, stir together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, and stir to combine. Stir in the parsnip, fresh ginger, milk, and vanilla. With a rubber spatula, fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Do not over mix the batter; a few streaks of flour are fine.
4. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool on a rack for 15 minutes, then flip the loaf out of the pan, turn it right-side up, and let it cool completely.
5. To prepare the frosting, with a wooden spoon, stir together the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl. Add the warm milk and whisk until smooth. Spread an even layer of frosting on top of the cake.
6. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen (without frosting) for up to 1 month.

More walks

Tags

Charlottetown, Czech Republic, Dachshund, Marshfield, PEI, walk

This morning we got a call from Teeter’s breeder in Marschfield. He offered to come into town with Teeter’s half-brother Jigg. Their dad was a Dachshund from the Czech Republic who now lives in Alberta. We walked in the old town where there was a lot of people and other dogs. At first Teeter was happy and surprised to see D.P. and then Jigg who is 2 years old. Both Teeter and Jigg have a strong family resemblance and colouring, Jigg is a little bigger then Teeter. We walked on Queen street, lots of people and it all went well, we walked all the way down to the river and back, saw lots of dogs and it was all pretty normal.

We also discussed doing prep work for training with other Dachshunds, it’s like sending the kids to school. Well let’s face it, having a dog is like a kid, except they don’t talk back, well maybe they do, Teeter gives us the famous Dachshund side eye.

In the photos below, Teeter is in the back and Jigg up front. Jigg is darker colour than Teeter. Both are very affectionate.

Manicure for Teeter

Tags

cuisine, dachshunds, figs, flowers, Italy, manicure, PIE

No one can say that Teeter is not well treated, he gets regular baths, ears get cleaned, teeth brushed and his paws are massage with paw cream to keep the pads soft and silky. He gets his treats which are cooked chicken heart and liver with a bit of garlic to enhance the flavour. He has 2 beds, blankets, etc. Today the manicure lady came to do his nails, it when pretty quietly with the back legs, when she got to the front paws, STOP!!! He was angry, growl and barked and tried to bite. He looked quite indignant, who is this person touching my paws? I had to scowl him, he was having none of it. This is quite the change from the placid Dachshund who likes to snooze in the sunshine all day. It got done but he wanted a treat afterwards for the indignity he suffered.

This week Teeter has been part of the family for 3 months now, we are getting to know him better and we still want to get him to be less shy, that will require a lot of patience. The lady who gave him his manicure, said something that made Will and I think, she has experience in handling dogs and observing them, she simply remarked that Teeter was probably raised to be a breeder dog given his pedigree and this conditioned him in the behaviour we see now. Dogs who are specifically use for breeding do not have the usual/normal upbringing you would see in a family dog. I will look into this, and read about it. He is a wonderful dachshund and we want him to be a happy dog, he is still young at 4 years old.

Will looks at a lot of cooking shows on YouTube and he has his favourite chefs and loves to discover new recipes. This week he found an old Italian recipe for Fig, orange zest, and ricotta pie, absolutely delicious.

After 140 + years

Tags

Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona, Catalonia, Crystal cruiseline, fascists, Franco, Juan Carlos, Royalty, Sagrada Familia, Spain, Travel

We will be in Barcelona in October 2026 to board our cruise on Crystal. We will arrive a few days before so as not to be rushed. In 2026 the construction of the Sagrada Familia Church (Holy Family) will be mostly complete except for the main front porch which cannot be completed until the entire block of buildings across the streets are demolished and this may well take another 10 years. The street is also a problem, underneath the high speed train connecting Barcelona to Paris passes daily. The solution of the architects is to build a bridge connecting the main door to the other side of the street and with the buildings gone it would be a new vista on this giant church. You may wonder why did the City of Barcelona agree to grant building permits originally knowing it would create this problem.

When construction of the Sagrada Familia started in March 1882, only a few years later did Antoni Gaudi became its chief architect and designer. At the time the land around the church was totally empty, it was all fields outside the city. Gaudi died in 1926 and only one part of the Church was completed. Worked slowed down, no money and then in 1936 during the vicious Spanish Civil War the studio of Gaudi is attacked and much of his design and drawings destroyed.

At the end of the Civil War the Fascist government of General Francisco Franco is in full control of Spain. The King Alfonso XIII is sent in exile, though Franco keeps Prince Juan Carlos in case he needs royal support with the public. The prince is very much a hostage in a golden cage. The Catholic Church in Spain had during the years of the Civil War played a very controversial role to protect itself and supported the Fascists. Enormous resentment built up and many politicians openly opposed the church and the building of the Sagrada Familia, they allowed construction all around the church thus creating the problem for the front facade. Franco died in 1975 and Juan Carlos became King and the monarchy was restored, democracy was restored. However Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and does not see itself as part of Spain. Now that 50 years has passed mentalities have changed and the great popularity of the Basilica and the million of tourists coming to visit has created jobs and profits. The Church is also much diminished and Sagrada Familia is seen as a treasure of the genius of Antoni Gaudi.

I remember hearing about this church and Barcelona in grade 6 in school, I did not know that one day I would get to see it. In the last 35 years we have visited Barcelona several times and each time saw more and more of the church nearing completion, the giant modern stain glass windows alone is worth the visit. By next year the last great tower will be completed and it should make for quite a view at 173 meter tall (568 feet).