Safety Squirrel

I thought this was appropriate for the "nasty people day"

I posted this picture last year.  Saw a few polar bears on my trip to Churchill, Manitoba (Canada) when I visited in 2022.  Although it was beluga whale season, we were lucky and saw a few bears.  As others have said, they need to be protected.  With climate change they are having a tough time getting enough food for the winter months when they hibernate.  Churchill is only accessible via train or air so many people do not visit due to the expense of travelling.

Although I don't post, I still read the daily to look at the pictures of the port of the day.  Also really enjoy the quotes, 'today in history' and other comments.  Thanks to everyone who contributes.

As Gerry said - we are having a blast of winter in Winnipeg today.  Currently very cold and travel not recommened due to the blowing snow.  Unfortunately I have a Board meeting this afternoon - so will dress warmly.  Having winter tires is a must in this climate.

Dandelions are known in Canada as the official (unoffical) flower of the military child.  As a military 'brat' (dad was in the Army for 30+ years) and a wife of soldier, I can relate to the following poem.  Hope you enjoy the poem.  

Dandelions put down roots almost anywhere and it is almost impossible to destroy. It is an unpretentious plant, yet good looking. It is a survivor in a broad range of climates.

Military children bloom everywhere the winds carry them. They are hardy and upright. Their roots are strong, cultivated deeply in the culture of the Military, planted swiftly and surely. They’re ready to fly in the breezes that take them to new adventures, new lands, and new friends.

Military children are well-rounded, culturally aware, tolerant, and extremely resilient. They have learned from an early age that home is where their hearts are. That a good friend can be found in every corner of the world.

They learn that to survive means to adapt. That the door that closes one chapter of their life opens to a new and exciting adventure full of new friends and new experiences.

@Rafinmd

so glad you posted on Churchill.  Way back (I think 1994) I had a unique tour there.  At the time there was a "Tundra Buggy Lodge" , an elevated vehicle that went into the prime bear viewing area with an included dormitory.  While others were up at the crack of dawn to travel out to the tundra we slept a bit later and were still up viewing for a while as the bears were most active and then perhaps about 9 parked the lodge for a hearty breakfast, then a bit more viewing (although the bear's peak activity was past) and continued to relax and view throughout the day.  Sadly, I don't think the lodge is still in use.

The tundra buggies are still in use although not with a dormitory, even in the summer; however, they don't guarantee you will see any polar bears.  They are used in the winter when it is prime polar bear sighting season.

Hotels in Churchill are usally 3* or 4* - you go for the wildlife not for hotel accommodations.

Edna

I have been following the Daily before it was "the Daily".  I usually just read and do not comment.  I have never cruised on a Holland America cruise, instead mostly on Celebrity.  I read this page every day when I am home.   It is such a welcoming place and it is like knowing everyone of you.

Talking about polar bears - Churchill, Manitoba is noted for polar bears particulary in the winter.  Visitors come from all over the world.

Unfortunately it is very expensive to visit and many people living in Manitoba are not able to visit because of the cost.  However, this past July I took a seven day trip - two days on the railway both coming and going and three days in Churchill.  (you can also fly in)  Beluga whales were in season and we saw many of them.

However, on an excursion to the Prince of Wales fort which they are rebuilding, everyone had to stay in a safe place when a polar bear was sighted on the beach.  There are guards on four wheelers with guns to scare the bears away.  One of the people in my group was fortunate enough to get a picture of the polar bear before he was scared back into the water.

We did see a mother and her cub while on an other excursion; however, all tour guides keep people far away as they can run very fast.  So it was from a distance.  I hope you enjoy the pictures.

I also attached a picture of a beluga whale.  They are really difficult to get a picture as they do not breach like other whales - just come to the surface.

I always fly in at least three days prior to my cruise if flying from U.S.A. - more if cruising from Europe or U.K.  Great to sight see and not be stressed in case of unforeseen difficulties.

Remember the 2017 shooting at Fort Lauderdale airport???  I flew out three days before my cruise on Westjet.  Winnipeg, Manitoba --> Calgary, Alberta --> Fort Lauderdale.  When we were within an hour or two of Fort Lauderdale, the pilot came on saying  that there was a shooting and there was no room even on the tarmac to land a plane.  We were re-routed to Montreal, Quebec and arrived at approximately 11:00 p.m.  (The flight was full)

The West Jet attendants were great.  They had to billet a full plane plus get hotel reservations.  Some passengers were put on a flight from Montreal the next morning.  However, I was flown to Toronto, Ontario where I got to the hotel approximately 2:00 a.m.  Had to be at the Toronto airport by 7:00 a.m., so only time for a quick nap & shower.  The Toronto airport was crazy as so many flights had been cancelled.   I had reservations at the Embassy Suites in Fort Lauderdale and had phoned them when I got to my hotel in Toronto. and they kept my reservation (I have Hilton points).

Arrived safely in Fort Lauderdale the next morning and again, the airport was just bedlam and you could hardly get through the people whose flights had been delayed or cancelled.  The nice thing was I could immediately check into my room as I had paid for the night before.  I then had two days to relax instead of three.  Having been to Fort Lauderdale several times, I was just able to enjoy my time before the cruise.  My insurance covered the one night in the hotel, I just had to provide the receipts from the hotel and proof my flight was re-routed.

Another time, son, DIL, granddaughter and myself were watching very carefully when the volcano in Iceland erupted in 2010 as we were boarding the Equinox to cruise the Mediterranean.  Again - several days before.  We were fortunate and able to go on the cruise.  We did have insurance which covered it.

Whether cruising solo or with family or friends, I always have insurance plus go ahead several days ahead of the cruise.

I agree with all those who have posted - it is wise to go at least one day before when you are flying (or even driving) as there can be so many unforeseen things that can happen.  Insurance is a must!!!

As so many other people, I/we are looking forward to travelling again, including cruising and trips to Europe.

Well today, November 19^th, the Manitoba government mandated even more stricter rules regarding Covid.  We have been Code Red since November 12^th and unfortunately some people are not taking this virus seriously.  They showed huge lines of shoppers (mainly at the big box stores) and some not social distancing.  We also had a rally about 100 people last Saturday objecting to wearing masks in a small city that has one of the highest rates; they had to transfer patients to Winnipeg as the hospital had no available beds.  The new health orders are in effect until December 11^th.

Effective November 20^th at 12:01 a.m., people are restricted to their household only – no visitors, including family members.  Following is a partial release.

New COVID-19 public health orders will forbid people from having anyone inside their home who doesn't live there, with few exceptions, and prohibit businesses from selling non-essential items in stores.

Previous orders that came into effect last week allowed gatherings at private residences of up to five people beyond those who normally live there, although Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin and others pleaded with Manitobans to stay home and only go out for essential items.   Exceptions to the no visitors rule include parents who do not live with their child, people providing child care and other services deemed essential, such as education, construction or repairs, and deliveries.

Exceptions will also be made for people who live alone, who will be allowed to have one other designated person over, and they can also visit that one other person.    Businesses that sell essential and non-essential items will be required to remove the non-essential goods from the shelves or rope off those areas.  The new orders also further restrict capacity at large retailers to either 25 per cent of normal capacity or a maximum of 250 people, whichever is lower.

The orders come into effect on Friday, except for the rule requiring businesses to prevent access to non-essential items, which comes into effect on Saturday. They will remain in effect until at least Dec. 11. 

Items deemed essential under the new orders include food, personal care and health products, baby and child-care items, outdoor winter clothing and pet supplies. Liquor and cannabis sales will also be permitted.  Non-essential items include books, toys, jewelry, flowers, perfume, consumer electronics and sporting equipment.

 Before anyone comments about the liquor and cannabis sales – it has been determined in most provinces that people who are alcoholics will go into withdrawal symptoms and go to hospitals, which are already overburdened with Covid patients.  Cannabis is legal in our province and is supposed to be mainly for medical purposes.  I know that everyone will not agree with still being permitted to sell liquor and cannabis; however, it will stop SOME of the illegal market for these products.  Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

The province has hired more enforcement officers and people will be fined and stores shut down if required.  Small businesses have already been impacted.  In my own case, my hairdresser said that if we had another lockdown, she might not be able to open her salon again.  It is the small businesses, including restaurants that are really affected by the shut downs.

As I am a widow, my oldest son and DIL have invited me to stay with them.  I will really appreciate the company.  They like to cook, so that is an added bonus.  They have two shelties (Shetland Sheepdogs) and as I live in a no-pet condo, it will be nice to have the dogs around also.  My husband and I used to show dogs and I really miss not having a dog around.  Taking several books with me to read.

So, we just have to hope that this mandate will slow the virus down and we may be able to have five family members for Christmas.  If not -- Christmas may be celebrated in the spring.

Stay safe everyone and PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASKS.  The life you save may be someone you love.

38 minutes ago, OnTheJourney said:

SS...curious about something...are all the merchants and businesses complying with masking in terms of their own employees, etc.?  What I've found where we live is that it's hit or miss. I talked to more than one store manager and it became readily apparent that he simply doesn't believe the science behind the masking, etc. I KNOW this is a controversial issue (especially here in the US) and so that's why I asked. 

Yes the businesses are complying with masks for employees.  Most businesses, banks, public offices, doctors' offices etc. also have shields between the customer and staff member.  I can see the shields becoming a fixture when/if the pandemic is over.  

Masks are mandatory and the owner would be fined or even shut down if masks are not worn.  Several have been fined/closed down (orange code) before the red code was announced this week.

Example - when grocery shopping - besides staying six feet apart (they have arrows/X's on the floor) before you can put your groceries on the belt -- you must wait until the cashier disinfects the entire belt.  You must bag your own groceries.  The cashier is behind  a shield with a mask on.  When paying, they prefer credit/debit.  If possible - touch screen.  If not - the debit/credit machine has a plastic cover which is disinfected between each customer.  

Most businesses, banks etc. have hand sanitizer at the entrance to use (although I am sure there are those who do not use it!).  Like the U.S. - there are those who think that is just a hoax etc.  The majority of grocery stores have an employee disinfecting the carts before you take one.

My son who is in the hospitality industry joked that he could probably disinfect the tables, etc. with pure vodka cheaper than sanitizer.  The price for sanitizer (and masks) has increased significantly at  the wholesalers of industrial supplies.  They are now shopping at Costco and find the price significantly less.

My oldest son & DIL have owned a condo in Kissimmee since 2008 but unfortunately we won't be going there for quite awhile.  A couple of my friends have texted, etc. saying "isn't this about the time you leave for Florida and/or cruises??"  So I can only wish it will be sometime in the future -- as I look out the window and see the snow falling.

As an aside, beside cruising, we cancelled our land trip to Europe in May; rescheduled to September and we all know how that went!!  With cases in Europe, Canada, USA and other countries around the world, I cannot see travelling in the near future.  One can only hope.

Again -- keep safe everyone.  

I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) and effective today, the entire province is in Code Red.  We have seen a huge uptick in cases (for us) and yesterday the death toll was nine with 431 new cases.  I know that does not seem like a lot compared to other provinces, states, countries etc. but is a huge increase for the province.  We are in code red for at least two weeks and hint from the government that it will be extended a further two weeks to cover two incubation periods.

All non-essential businesses are closed (most retail stores, salons etc.). You can order on-line for some businesses but only non-contact delivery.  Essential businesses (i.e. grocery stores, pharmacies) are limited to 25% capacity.  Restaurants are only take-out and we are encouraged to support local restaurants as many will not be able to survive this closure.  The hospitality industry has been hit very hard with several previous two week closures.  The last lockdown included dentists, podiatrists, physiotherapists, etc. but this time they have very strict rules and capacity and can remain open.  Many doctors are having telephone visits to determine the necessity for an in-person visit.  All libraries, community centres, senior centres, playgrounds, arenas, gyms etc. are closed.  Churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship have gone to virtual services.  No team sports such as hockey, curling, basketball allowed.

No gatherings of more than five people which includes weddings and funerals.  Visits to hospitals only for end-of-life patients and then extremely limited to two family members at a time.

We have had a mandatory mask policy in Winnipeg in all public places for over a month.  The majority of people complied but businesses had the right to refuse entry into their premises and many had signs posted in their windows.

Initially, last Tuesday, no visits were permitted between families etc.  Last night the government backed down on visits within households as many grandparents etc. are responsible for taking children to school while parents work in essential businesses such as hospitals, police & fire departments, schools etc.  Today, we can have five relatives in our ‘bubble” which enables caregivers to take children to school, visit relatives who have other health issues etc. not related to Covid.

Schools remain open at this time. My youngest son, DIL, & granddaughter are teachers.  I worry about them coming into contact with people who are ill although they have been provided with face shields & masks and desks are six feet apart.  My oldest son and DIL are in the hospitality business so their businesses are closed.

I consider myself fortunate to be healthy.  I recently cancelled B2B cruises in 2021 on the Equinox (Mardi Gras) and my oldest son cancelled their March 2021 cruise to take the grandchildren on their first cruise.  Perhaps in 2022 we will be able to cruise and travel once again. Let us hope that the world gets this under control.  The possibility of a vaccine looks promising.

Stay safe everyone wherever you live.  

Recently cancelled B2B cruises in January//February 2021 (including the Mardi Gras cruise).  I had paid the refundable deposits.  Celebrity rep told TA it would take 4-5 weeks.   THREE days later - deposits were credited back to credit card.  Was very surprised.

Not sure when I will cruise again.  

Perhaps it is time for this post with so many people 'discussing' their views and others disagreeing with them.  Although I am fortunate to be a Canadian - my DS and DIL have owned a condo in Kissimmee since 2010 and I have visited many times.  However, this year, will not be going.   In my home province, we did not have many cases then approximately three weeks ago cases continued to climb with many attributed to those under the age of 70 and particularly in the under 40 age group.  People thought that as we had no cases reported for  13+ days, they could begin to socialize in larger groups.  As of Monday, in Winnipeg, all people have to wear masks in public spaces and weddings, funerals, etc. are limited to ten people.  Schools etc. were already mandated with students having to wear masks from grade 4-12, universities,  as well as hospitals, etc.  

Although I may not agree with some of the comments on this page, I respect the fact that everyone has their own opinion.  As for me, I will continue to wear a mask etc. as I have done for the past several months.