Wow, it has been a long time since I have posted to my blog. I apologize for that, but the summer was hectic for me as I am sure it is for the most of you. In the near future I will be posting some pictures of our summer travels, it was a wonderful July and Aug, even though the weather at times sucked.

I have to take a minute to talk about the next few months, as most of you do know I love the fall season, the sights, sounds and smells make Newfoundland and Labrador a destination of choice for many Europeans and persons from the United States. It is a safe and natural environment that is sought after the world over.

Harper and da boys!!!

Well another election has come and gone, I am sure you all have your opinion on the outcome; the one thing I am happy about is that it is not a long and drawn out campaign. We listen to comments about how one is going to help the common man and how we will have the better health care system. OK OK I said it, the health care system, with not enough nurses, not enough specialized doctors and the long waiting room times sickens me. Sometimes I think it would be better to be in a pay per use system, at least we should not have to wait for 5/6 hours for someone to attend to the sick. In some countries if you have a minor injury down there you still get a MRI, up here you need a letter from God for a speedy X-ray, there is something wrong with that. Well that’s my rant about the health care system for now, I am sure it will pop up in the future.

Speaking about the common man, Fabian Manning was a person who stood for the common good of the riding, and I think he worked very well within his means. I wish him well with in the Harper government as I do hope he will be looked after.

Prime Minister Harper with Fabian Manning

Jack Harris, NDP, St. John's East

Ryan Cleary

Mr. Andrews, congrats for the victory, I have to be honest, I do not give credit to Danny Williams for your victory, over the past 2-3 years I have watched you ensure everyone was familiar with you, you grew to know what was the need of the area and you met the challenge with a youthful conviction that was welcomed.

Congrats to Jack Harris on his NDP victory and better luck to Ryan Cleary, who ran for the NDP in St. John ’s / Mount Pearl.  I know he would have been a great voice for Newfoundland and Labrador in Ottawa.

Avalon North Wolverines

International Victory in SAR Scene 2008

Avalon North Wolverines - SAR Scene 2008 Winners

Jumping to other winners, I have to congratulate the Avalon North Wolverines for their international VICTORY in the Sarscene, hosted in St.John’s this week. They have traveled and competed across this wonderful country of ours for some years and now are National and International Champions. It is comforting to know that the Trinity and Conception Bays have some of the most advanced trained persons in Canada and abroad sitting in our back yard.

SAR Scene 08 Rescue Mission

The Irish Coarst Guard

One of the most amazing days I personally have had in a long while was to have had the opportunity to meet members of the Irish Coast Guard. They were true gentlemen who embraced the people of Newfoundland and Labrador; from the first moment I was introduced to them I knew they were so much like us. The accents are much thicker but the pride for their home , family and for a good time was very similar to us Newfoundlander and Labradoreans.

I would like to thank Niall Ferns for the wonderful mementos from Ireland as I do hold the place of my ancestors in high regard and do hope one day to travel there (maybe sooner rather then later). Charles Cavanagh was very talented in making a St. Bridget’s Cross for me (thinks I left that at the Search and Rescue building!!, darn bowling*s*) . I heard form Perry Bowering that the Irish took third place in the competition so hats are off to you guys are well.

Irish Coast Guard

Tiocfaidh ár lá and Beannachaí Dé

Ron