THE GLOBE & MAIL PRINTS 3 PAGES CELEBRATING SPIRIT-LIFTING DOGS, IN A VERY BAD YEAR

Top spot on the Globe’s front cover, GRACIE, lives with long-term care nurse, Bridget Hudson and her husband. “We can’t imagine life without her now,” Ms. Hudson says of the bernedoodle.In the article ERIN ADERSSEN writes: “The past few months were a boom time for pet adoptions as Canadians sought Covid-19-Safe companions to share their isolation. New owners say it was a good decision in a very bad time.”  . . .  . . Above – photographer Kailee Mandel embraces her own pandemic dog, WALTER . . . . .    The late college professor, MARY OLIVER, wrote a poem capturing this pandemic we’re all going through . . . . .
“But there are days I wish
there was less in my head to examine,
not to speak of the busy heart.
How would it be to be Percy, I wonder, not
thinking, not weighing anything, just running forward.”

IT CAME THROUGH THE LETTER SLOT THIS MORNING – FROM KIMBERLEY EZEARD AT SOTHEBYS

ABOUT THIS PHOTO – Santa and his helpers are everywhere – on airplanes for instance. This Trans Canada Airlines plane is about to leave with Santa on board, from TORONTO to WINNIPEG, the first consigned airmail on that route in 1939. – kimberleyezeard.com

“RIGHT THIS WAY, YOUR TABLE’S WAITING” – THAT IS IF YOU’RE A CHIPMUNK OR A SQUIRREL

Thanks to LIA PICARD in The New York Times I know nearly all about Squirrel Tables‘It’s Reserved for Squirrels or Chipmunks’ takes up nearly a full page in Sunday’s Times, December 13/2020.  Worth a read.In TORONTO with thousands of black and grey squirrels, and a sprinkling of chipmunks, keeping them fed could be both worthwhile and a way to pass some pandemic lockdown time.<Photo Above – ETSY Canada>They’re like miniature picnic tables, typically made from cedar or pine, and measure about 8×5 inches, which allows them to be connected to fences or trees. The American squirrels have adapted well, and make the rounds of their favourite tables for a good sized lunch break. Children become fascinated, and so are the adults with time on their hands.  <Photo above – ETSY Canada>Jena Garfield, 33, of St. Paul, Minnesota said “It’s kind of our spin on random acts of kindness. It brings joy to people during this crazy time that we’re all in.” <Photo above – WXYZ, Detroit, Michigan> I’ve indirectly fed the black and grey squirrels in Cabbagetown with some delight.My goal in the last four winters was to feed the sparrows.  The squirrels joined the party – every time. It was so entertaining that I’d be glued to the window waiting to see who turned up next. One thing I learned – divide their food into two groups – one for the squirrels and the other for the sparrows.  No matter what you’ll get a great feeling.

DECEMBER 14TH WAS A DAY OF CHANGE FOR BOTH CANADA & THE UNITED STATES

<“YOU LOST” – The Ghost of Election Past, editorial cartoon by BRIAN GABLE, The Globe and Mail, Toronto, December 17, 2020>FROM The National Post, Toronto – The first Canadians received Covid-19 vaccines on Monday, raising hope for the end of the pandemic. The question now – how quickly will million more doses arrive? – Toronto Star, December 15/2020

IF DYNAMIC OLDER WOMEN ARE LOOKING FOR STRESS-FREE RETIREMENTS, ‘SIXTY & ME’ HAS TEN ANSWERS

It’s often worthwhile and great fun to scrutinize lists such as ‘The Top Ten Best Countries for a Stress-Free Retirement”. CANADA comes in at #8, just ahead of The Netherlands. Sixty and Me is a community of 500,000 women over the age of 60. The goal is to help them live happy, healthy and financially secure lives, to find profitable work, stay healthy and develop a positive mindset about this “amazing period of their lives”.”WRITEUP . . . . #8 CANADA (edited version) – “If you’re looking for somewhere spacious, look no further than the world’s second-largest country. With just 4 people per square kilometre, you’ll have plenty of space to yourself. Canada has also ranked highly for moral and political freedom, but was the lowest-ranking country in the top 10 when it comes to traffic. If you’re looking for a more secluded retirement that takes you off the beaten track, you might find the peace and tranquility you’re searching for in Canada.”*  CANADA IS BEST FOR – wide open spaces . . . * NOT SUITED FOR – getting from A to B quickly  . . . . . . . .   The Top Ten – #1 Finland; #2 Spain; #3 Austria; #4 Brunel; #5 Slovenia; #6 Japan; #7 Portugal; #8 Canada; #9 The Netherlands; #10 Sweden.

JAY PHILBRICK IS AN 18-YEAR-OLD WHO HELPED CHOOSE THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

NO KIDDING! Among 538 little-known men and women Jay Philbrick officially helped select the next occupant of The White House on Monday, December 14th. He was among three other members of the Electoral College from the State of Maine.“It’s exceptional for an 18-year-old to play this role,” said Maine Senator Angus King. “What we need in our country right now is more youth engagement.”  And that seems to be what he got.The young elector would like to make changes to the Electoral College. – “I don’t think in its current state it’s exactly serving its purpose. I don’t think it’s fair and representative.” he said.  (Canada’s National newspaper, The Globe and Mail, published a half-page story on Jay Philbrick, his family and reasons why he’d been chosen. Title of the article: “Last month’s vote wasn’t really the presidential election)

FYI – LOCKDOWN INFORMATION. – SOME STATS ON CASA LOMA, TORONTO’S FAMOUS CASTLE

Built – 1911-1914
 . . . . Cost – $3.5-million. . . . 98 rooms
 . . . . 5 acres of gardens
 . . . . Designed by E. J. Lennox who also did Old City Hall
 . . . . 30 bathrooms
 . . . .  25 fireplaces
 . . . .  22,400 sq. ft. stables . . . . 3 bowling alleys
 . . . .  a shooting gallery
 . . . .  wine cellar holding 1,700 bottles, etc.