Day 11

Thursday, March 26, 2020

A few interesting things happened today. I heard from an old colleague from CBC Western Arctic days in Inuvik who was trying to remember the name of one of the HR Clerks who worked there. It took two of us (a brain and a half) to get it. This woman was from Ireland and eventually moved to Iqaluit with her husband. She was a delight to have around. In the search for the name, we were in touch with another young woman who worked with me there. It started me thinking that I have kept in touch with some really fine people from that radio station over the years. I was there from 1986 to 1995. That was a fun thing to have happen.

The second thing was a connection with a lovely man who was the Chief Technician in Inuvik. He now lives in Halifax with his wife and both his sons live there now. One of them is stuck in the Emirates and can't get home. The son was working on a contract there when the world starting shutting down. I have given whatever advice I can and it seems to be a waiting game now.

I decided to call my siblings today. We don't keep close touch but we all know where we are. I did talk to my sister the other day now that she's back in the country after driving up from Florida. My four siblings live in Ontario - Arnprior, St. Catharines, Toronto and North Bay. They all are doing OK and it was good to hear their voices.

I can only handle a bit from the president before I switch channels. Our premier and our prime minister are doing well.

I'm very leery of this military business being considered on the other side of the border. There are implications. And there are questions - as in - why would he even consider this, is there a longer term strategy here. I grew up in the Cold War. My Dad was in NORAD (RCAF). My spidey senses get going when I hear things like this.

I am sorry for all the folks in the US right now. It's possible that if various plans had been put in place earlier, this might not have been as bad. Who truly knows, I get that. I am sorry lives and money seem to be at ware down there.

I am grateful for all the folks on Facebook these days. It is being a grand way to keep connected and it, hopefully, is helping those who are frightened and lonely. They are being so good at offering to help and being a shoulder or a hand - whatever is needed.

Onwards!