Canada | willowdot21

We visited Canada September 2019. We started off in Chalgary and traveled by coach and the Rocky Mountaineer train up to Vancouver, we visited many places, not least, Banff, Lake Louise,and many other places, we had three days in Vancouver including a day trip to Vancouver Island. Then we hired a car and drove up to Whistler. We had three days there and found some fantastic walks, this shot was taken on one such walk.

If We Were Having Coffee: Guest Post: – Oct.26/2014

If We Were Having Coffee – Oct.26/2014

Shoot Out in Ottawa

Canadian Soldier Killed at War Memorial in Ottawa.

Paul your Barista

Welcome to Willow’s weekly coffee and tea garden. My name is Paul and I’m happy to be here once again in the garden marquee tending to your needs for a cuppa, and sweets. I’d be pleased to bring a pot of whatever beverage you prefer – we have a wide rangeof teas and coffees to satisfy our world-wide readership. We can relax with a cuppa and calorie free electronic sweets while we discuss the affairs of the week both personal and/or worldwide. How has your week been?

Janet Kruskamp ‘Afternoon Tea ‘

Shooting at the war Memorial

On Wednesday, October 22, at 9:50 am EST, Michael Zehaf-Bibeau walked up to Cpl. Nathan Cirillo who was on ceremonial guard duty at the National War memorial here in Ottawa and shot him dead with no warning. Zehaf then proceeded to the Canadian Parliament buildings, across the street, and entered shooting. He was shot and killed by the Sergeant at Arms of the Parliament before there were any injuries.

Shooting at the War Memorial

At first glance this appeared to be a terrorist act as Zehaf was a self-identified member of Islam and because of the targets attacked. Truth be told though, he was a very disturbed young man of 32, who had recently switched to Islam as his life fell apart around him. He was described by friends as a troubled man who followed no religion. He was Canadian born, although his father is a business man from Libya who owns companies in Montreal and his mother is a high ranking member of the Canadian Immigration Ministry. Zehaf had been involved in drug use for many years, had a difficult time holding a job and had a criminal record for property crimes. He had been estranged from his parents for many years and had drifted around the country doing odd jobs, ending up in Ottawa to try and get a Libyan passport from the embassy here. His Canadian passport had been revoked. The Libyans turned him down partially because of his criminal record and partially because he appeared physically unwell and mentally unfit.

I actually live about 2 miles (3 kms) from the War Memorial and Wednesday was a hectic day with road closures, lockdowns of all public buildings and a huge police presence. At first it was said to be a terrorist attack but it eventually turned out to be the work of one sad mentally disturbed individual who happened to be in Ottawa when he suffered a breakdown. He did not plan the attack, did not have an automatic weapon (they are banned in Canada) and was dispatched by the first armed officer (the soldier’s weapon was not loaded) he encountered. Zehaf had previously tried to get arrested by police at one point by confessing to a crime that had never been committed. Whenasked why, he had said that he wanted a roof over his head and a meal in jail. The police declined.

Aerial View of Parliament Buildings and War Memorial (war memorial is on the V-shaped traffic island at lower right)

Would you like another cuppa? Perhaps a dollop of something stronger to warm the cockles? Please try the sweets- these electronic versions are very tasty and calorie free. So, instead of the terrorist attack it first appeared to be, it was yet another mentally disturbed person with a gun who had needed help and had been denied. How long will it take our society to realize that denying help to those who need it always ends badly for all? This is just another example of the lack of attention and funding to mental health issues. How is mental health addressed in your country? Is it adequate? Has treatment improved over the years or gotten worse?

Whew, anyway, that was the excitement of my week. Personally things are looking up as some new medication seems to be working well and has reduced my joint pain and muscle weakness that comes with dialysis. That’s very freeing to be able to move again with less pain. No side effects yet. How have you been feeling this week? Being well into fall, I find that my sleep patterns and eating patterns have changed somewhat with the cooler weather and shorter days.

Would you like another cuppa? I think I’ll have a sweet as well. Willow and I are honored that you dropped by the marquee in the garden today to visit. I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself and the conversation and please feel free to look around at Willow’s other posts while you’re here. Have a great week. We look forward to seeing you here in the garden again next week.

Coffee as Art

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: I would ask you if you would like another cuppa, or another cake . ! If we were having Coffee Original idea from http://parttimemonster.wordpress.com/