Is it November yet?

I know it's only the end of September and October begins tomorrow, however I want November to get here as fast as possible for two reasons.

The first reason is a return trip to Baja with some good friends for two weeks of playing in the dirt, sand, silt and sun, with a few beach days thrown in.

Baja is one of those magical places where time has little meaning, unless it siesta time.

"Idiot" laws don't exist so there are few idiots to be found.

The "social" network is what takes place at the local cantina, which is usually a brick structure with a corrugated, rusted, metal roof.  If you're in the cantina, your part of the network.

The food of the gods, namely street tacos, can be found everywhere.  The further outside the tourist areas the better they taste.

And, if you're into anything that involves playing in the dirt, hiking, biking, motorcycling or 4X4ing, Baja is a huge playground!

The other reason is the US elections!  It's about time this third rate circus act comes to an end.  I'm at the point where I really don't care who wins as both candidates and their cronies have done a fabulous job of further dividing the country and it's time to try and bring the country back together, which will be a daunting task regardless of who wins.

Both sides have taken mud slinging, back stabbing, closet hunting for skeletons and fear mongering to a new level.  This has been further amplified by CNN, Fox, MSNBC, etc... and their endless lineup of talking heads who's "expertise" will fade away the instant a winner is announced.

I'll be leaving for Mexico the day after the election so it will be an interesting and exciting time.



Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker

15 Years Later...

Looking down on the South Pool from the observation deck in One World Trade Center

It's hard to believe that 15 years ago a group of terrorists hijacked four passenger jets and flew one into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, another into the South Tower of the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon.  The 4th plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after the passengers and pilots fought back, preventing this plane from reaching it's target.

How did 15 years go by so quickly?

In the past 15 years a lot has happened.  My children who were 12, 10 and 8 at the time of the attack, have grown and have lives of their own.

I'm now a grandparent.

A number of friends and family have passed away.

Adventures have been had and injuries incurred.

My view of the world has changed in that I've chosen to look for the good in the world, which is easy to find.

I've watched less news mainly because evil and tragedy sells so that's what the news outlets broadcast the most.  Evil and tragedy do exists, however I believe that good exists in a greater abundance.

I've learned people are resilient, especially if they have the mindset to take control of their life regardless of what happened in the past.  This, I've learned, isn't easy.

I still remember, vividly I might add, watching CNN as the 2nd plane hit the South Tower and trying to explain to my 8 year old son why someone could do this.

I remember visiting New York for the first time last September, days before the 14th anniversary, and viewing into the pools that outline where the towers stood, watching the water fall deep into the ground while reading the names of those who died that day.  The emotion and reverence of that place is difficult to describe.

Ladder and Engine Company 10 were the closest to the World Trade Center and one of the first to respond following the attack.  They lost 6 members that day.

Resilience sometimes means rebuilding

I would like you to always remember what took place on September 11, 2001, not in anger, but in reverence for those who lost their lives and for those who gave their lives to save as many of their fellow human beings as they could.  

Remember 9/11 as a reason make the world around you, in your own neighbourhood first, a better place.

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker

Things To Know Before Moving To Canada from the USA

It's come to my attention that more than a few people have indicated they'd move to Canada after the November Presidential election.  Now that the elections is over and President Trump has been sworn in, the interest in Canada has grown.

I made a career decision to move to Canada 26 years ago and Canada is my home.  With that in mind, here are 10 things you should know if you're planning on making the move.

• The Canada health system is what people in the USA would call "Socialized".  It has it's issues, however it works well overall.
• Leave your guns at home.  Canada has gun laws that will likely leave most of my fellow Americans wondering how Canadians survive.  We do have guns in Canada as hunting is part of Canada's history and tradition, however the laws are specific on what you can own.
• Sports are similar, however Hockey and soccer are the nations most popular sports.  Canadians do play football, however you'll need to adjust to a larger end zone and 3 downs.  Fortunately US television is available, including sports.
• Politics are quite different in Canada.  Thankfully elections are short and sweet.  The minimum length of a campaign is 36 days after an election is called and because campaign spending is strictly limited, most election campaigns hold to the 36 days.  A federal election must take place every 4 years, however it can be called earlier if the Prime Minister chooses.  Also, the political system is based on the parliamentary system and is considered a constitutional monarchy.  Suffice it to say, it's different than what you're use to.
• Canada is as much of a "melting pot" as the USA, perhaps even more.
• If you think gas prices are high in the USA, you'll be in for sticker shock once you get to Canada.  That "nice" looking price you see at a Canadian gas station is for 1 litre of gas, which is slightly more than 1/4 of a gallon.
• Speaking of litres, Canada uses the metric system.  When you see the speed limit is 100, remember that's kph.  60 mph in US terms.
• One of the best things about Canada is the currency.  I'm not talking about it's value, but it's colour.  $5.00 is light blue, $10.00 is dark blue, $20.00 is greenish and $50.00 is redish.  Canada has a $1.00 coin called the Loonie and a $2.00 coin called the Toonie.  Canada recently discontinued the Canadian penny.  The bottom line here is when you look in your wallet, you have a good idea of how much you have based on the colour.
• Contrary to popular belief, Canadians live in houses, not igloos.
• Finally, Canada is a bilingual country.  You'll see English and French on everything you buy in the store.  You'll also find English is a little different as well, with "Eh" and "Hey" being used a lot.  

BONUS:  If you do choose to "escape" to Canada following the outcome of the November election, you'll get to file taxes in Canada and the USA.  The USA is one of only a few countries that require citizens to file taxes regardless of where they live or work.

Enjoying a Canadian summer

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker