Hi everyone,
This was my first Canadian Thanksgiving and it was quite a lovely day. I did miss having the Macy's parade to watch but will of course watch it in November. The parade on tv here was an Octoberfest parade that paled in comparison to Macy's, but it was interesting nonetheless.
I was pleased to see on the cooking shows that "over indulgence" was not hyped for a Thanksgiving meal. I didn't make a turkey, rather a roasting hen that I brined overnight, thanks to watching chef Michael Smith from PEI. It was the most moist and delicious bird I think I have ever put into my mouth! The drippings made a wonderful gravy with cabernet; cranberry sauce and glazed root veggies were enjoyed. I didn't have salad, rather made potato/leek soup garnished with chopped tarragon. For dessert we tried a local specialty called "sugar cream pie" that was ab fab!
I felt like a real Canadian as I now have my approval for permanent residency from Quebec as well as the federal government. Just waiting on the last round of application forms and issuance of the permanent residency visa and resident's card.
Was bummed about the election, but Joe got to vote in his first Canadian election EVER! He registered and voted on the Same Day!
As for mandatory voting, I think it goes without saying. How can you voice an opinion publicly if you don't even take the time to vote your convictions? With all the brouhaha in the states right now about "Joe, the plumber" and "spreading the wealth around comment" gee, is it really that bad an idea to tax those with more means higher taxes? Don't care about the less fortunate? Some parts of socialism are a good thing without going to extremes. And for "Joe, the plumber" it was announced today that he isn't even REGISTERED to vote! So, then why was he even at a rally?
Sadly, our absentee ballots wouldn't even count in this election, as you have until November 29 to mail it in...tell you anything? Harken back to 2000 as I think history is about to repeat itself.
But, at the end of the day, I wish everyone in the states good luck, patience, understanding and tolerance and the ability to weed through all of the spin and hope everyone actually will take the time to visit the candidates websites to get the REAL scoop on their positions.
But PLEASE vote on November 4th, no matter for whom you care to cast your ballot. Only then can you really be a part of the process.