US Economy...

I wouldn't normally post on politics since that is not my cup-o-tea. However, I came across an article today that caught my eye. We receive a two weekly newspapers and for the most part, they don't tell too much. I glance through them quickly for information on swim lesson registration, to see what is on sale at Adonis, community happenings. But today when I was reading The West Island Suburban, there was a small article entitled Rein it in a bit Washington. The title caught my eye since most of the time I feel so far removed from US politics and news stories...and in some respects I am OK with that. I don't miss all the stories in the war in Afghanistan, shootings, crime stories, and political wrangling. I perk up when I see a Canadian take on what is going on back "home" and since this once makes sense, I decided to share it with you. Let me know what you think about what David Lisbona, B.C.L., LL.B, MBA, FMA, who is an investment advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, says.

"Like most pre-teen boys living in Montreal in the late '70s and early '80s, a transistor radio resided permanently under my pillow so that I could get my nightly fix of Sports Rap with Ted Tevan. I was saddened to hear of his passing last Friday, as this is yet another chapter closing in Montreal I remember from my youth.

Ted, while being the consummate entertainer, was always the man in control, if he didn't like what a caller had to say, the machine guns were unleashed and the caller was unceremoniously dismissed. There was little room for dissent in Ted's world, it was his way or no way. You always knew who was the boss.

By contrast, the lack of leadership in the U.S. is troubling to say the least. It is a rudderless ship with everyone, yet no one at the helm. The United States is in a heap of economic trouble, I don't believe you need a degree in economics or finance to come to that conclusion. One of the reasons for their dysfunction is their political system. While some may be praising the effects of democracy for the recent debate over the debt ceiling, the incessant threats and grandstanding from their political actors simply made an anxious world even more so; to put it mildly, it was not one of America's finer moments. Regrettably, our neighbors to the south have even less faith in their politicians than at the time this whole mess began. Even more regrettably, those same politicians did very little to restore faith in the system and worse still, their inaction on cutting the massive debt may have been a contributing factor to the market correction we have been forced to endure over these past two weeks or so. The Democrats and Republicans weren't rearranging the deck chairs on a rudderless hip. They have been taking pick-axes to the hull and facilitating the ship's demise.

Say what you want about Warren Buffet, but earlier this week, he made it clear that the politicians are acting solely in the best interest of a select few wealthy Americans and that it is time for the "super-rich", as he calls them, to pay their way as part of the "shared sacrifice" in bringing the U.S. debt under control. Unfortunately, Congress continues to protect the wealthy minority in the U.S. which will continue to impede true debt reduction and ultimately serve in postponing the tackling of their fiscal problems. President Barak Obama has even agreed with Buffet's tax proposal, however, he is powerless to implement any measures that are required.

The oft-cited refrain has been that we are simply taxed too highly in Canada, perhaps that is true, but could it be possible that Americans are not taxed enough, to the point where they are unable to sustain all of their entitlement programs without something giving way, and soon?

I'm not that discouraged, notwithstanding the clear inability to reach consensus in Washington up to now, I have no doubt that they will come to their senses one day and address the debt crisis with the fervor and diligence it requires. Otherwise, it may be time for American electors to "790" their politicians, just like Ted would do."

Article taken from the Business section of the West Island Suburban, Wednesday, August 17, 2011, Page 15.

I Scream, U Scream, We All Scream For

ICE CREAM!!!

I had been wanting to have an ice cream party for Arabella and her friends all Summer long so when Mother Nature decided to cooperate today, we had one! I sure could tell that Arabella was excited about the party today when it was about 7:15 and I was still in bed, but awake, and she walked into our bedroom and crawled into bed and said to me "Mommy, can we go to Junies house for ice cream now?" It was so sweet! So as soon as swim lessons were over, we packed up all the ice cream fixings and headed to June's house to enjoy the pool and sunshine and of course ice cream! (PS - I was good and stuck to my diet...no ice cream for me...I am 2 1/2 pounds away from losing 20 pounds...not about to wreck the diet now!)

I put all of the different toppings in a muffin tin...we had sprinkles, fruit, nuts, coconut, cherries, dark chocolate chunks and smashed cookies!

They kids worked up an appetite for ice cream by playing and swimming. Arabella had a lot of fun pushing Ryan around on the John Deere tractor...better not let Dad see this picture!
Ryan also gave her a little ride too!


Arabella doing her superfly jump!

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday Mom! I hope you know how much you mean to me. I am so thankful for the support, guidance, understanding and love that you have given to me. Without you as a role model, I don't think that I would have turned into the woman and mother that I am today. Thank you for being such a wonderful Grammie to Arabella - she loves you so much!



Thank you for all that you do! We love you and hope that your day was as beautiful as you!

Martha Moment

So since I am totally caught up on my school work and I aced my 2nd exam...yes, I got a perfect score (Go ME!!), I was able to take a break and do something fun. I decided to put some of my beautiful ribbon to good use and make some new hair bows for Arabella. I love how they came out this time around and I have to say, that I am getting much better at it. I can't wait to make some more!

Scenes of Summer

We have been keeping busy and enjoying all the great sunny weather this past week. Arabella has been loving her swim lessons and she loves her teacher, Emilio. She is doing great - this is the last week of session 3 so we will see if she gets to move up a level or not.
Practising her "starfish" a/k/a back float.

We are starting to enjoy the fruits of our garden. Arabella loves to pick the grape tomato's right off the plant and eat them! We have a lot of green ones on the plants so there will be more coming along soon...YUM!

My little chipmunk with cheeks full of tomato's!

Yesterday, we went to a Birthday Party in the park for Ella who turned 1! It was the perfect day to celebrate in the park. Everyone had a great day and all the kids had fun playing and splashing in the water. Happy 1st Birthday Ella!








And after the party and a cat nap, Arabella and Dad went looking for worms. I am not sure why, but they were!


And since we try to get in as much outside time as possible, we have been enjoying our dinner on the patio. And I love that the plate in front of Arabella is full of fresh fruits and veggies...not junk going on there!

Thursday's Thoughts

Hearing: The breeze rustle through the leaves in the trees outside my office window.

Tasting: A teeny, tiny piece of olive cheese...delish, but not on my current diet...

Seeing: The new Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn and Ballard Designs catalogs that mom sent me! I love everything in them and am feeling inspired to make some fun changes in how I have decorated the house.


Smelling: The Tomato Blossom candle that I purchased on my last Target run in Massachusetts...it is such a pure Summer sent.


Feeling: Content and comfortable. I am caught up with school, Arabella and I have had a great week and I feel like we are right where we belong.

Wordless Wednesday...Late Again