This morning after morning prayers, coffee and sending bank records to new landlord opened The Economist to great news, well great news for Canadians anyway. Here it is: Canada’s government proposed a new law that would freeze purchases and sales of handguns. The legislation would also limit magazine capacities and ban toys that look like guns. Justin Trudeau, the prime minister, said, “As we see gun violence continue to rise, it is our duty to keep taking action.” Meanwhile in America, Joe Biden urged for more ‘rational’ action to prevent mass shootings”
I wonder what President Biden means by rational action. It appears that Prime Minister Trudeau has taken a rational approach to the matter at hand. Leadership, I humbly suggest, does not consist of urging ‘rational’ action. I sometimes wonder if President Biden secretly wishes that Trump would have won after all. What a mess the USA is and it does not appear to be getting any better. I am most heartened by Prime Minister Trudeau’s actions – in all honesty I am not a huge fan of his. Perhaps his liaison with a more socialist political party (whose leader is a Sikh) is spurring him onto bigger and better things. “Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century. “Sikh teaching centers on spiritual liberation and social justice and harmony, though the community took on a militant aspect during early conflicts. The last guru, Gobind Singh (1666–1708), passed his authority to the scripture, the Adi Granth, and to the Khalsa, the body of initiated Sikhs. “ Now you know all that I know.
The hugest and most wonderful and most joyous news is that I have leased an apartment. I do have to open a Canadian bank account first but that is definitely doable and an appointment has been made for this afternoon to accomplish that feat. Both apartment and bank account were not achievable during my stay in Abu Dhabi. The letter receiving my retirement income, prepared for my retirement visa in the UAE, was used to obtain the apartment in Edmonton. The property manager, a man from Nepal, once lived and worked in Dubai. He was able to escape, as was I. He glanced at the letter:
He: So your retirement pays you about $11,000 a year?
Me: No, that is my monthly payment. It is rather obscene but I worked my whole life, until retirement, to earn that benefit. I did not have any children, so educated myself instead. I went to law school at night while working full time for the County of Marin.
I will need a Canadian bank draft to pay first month’s rent and the security deposit so the formal signing of the lease will await that action. The apartment is on the top floor, has a gorgeous view, the building has a pool, a gym , and a grocery store on the premises. So in the winter I can just stay indoors. There is also air conditioning as the summers here have been hot, probably climate change.
There is a slight problem in that my furniture is in storage in Marin County and the apartment is unfurnished. But all I really need is a bed as I write from bed, sleep in the bed etc. So I have made an appointment at Restoration Hardware to get a bed worthy of a Sheikha Fatimah. The man who will assist me is uniquely qualified – more about that later. It is just too much of a coincidence for words. Other words are: chance, serendipity, fate, a twist of fate, destiny, fortuity, fortune, providence, freak, hazard; a piece of good fortune, (a bit of) luck, (a bit of) good luck, a fluke, a happy chance, happenstance. More details shall be provided when learned.
The other fantastic news is that I have discovered my new Rex Whistler Restaurant. Faithful readers will know that the Rex Whistler, conveniently located in the Tate Britain was my ‘canteen’ as Matthew Randall, the boss called it. It is most posh, stunningly beautiful and has the best wine selection in all of London. A shall find a photograph taken there and include it. London is not exactly a convenient location any longer but the Dalla Travala Zenari Restaurant is very conveniently located, just up the block. Yesterday was my second visit there. It was crowded, bursting at the seams with their lunch time customers. I had the gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce and it was ABSOLUTELY delicious. The gnocchi light, airy – best I have ever had and the gorgonzola sauce was rich and creamy. My birthday did not include a cake – I ordered a Tiramisu. It came with a candle, I blew out the candle while an Instagram reel was made. AND the dessert was a present, they did not charge me. I am, of course, divinely happy. Who would not be? I took a photo of their interesting wall, a painting of, it appears to be Adam and Eve. So there is a marked contrast between the two restaurants but that was then and this is now. That was then and this is now is the mantra I perform when I have a post traumatic stress attack. They do still occur upon occasion, unfortunately. Nothing much can be done about it. One is not to think about what triggered the attack, just somehow get through it. I am beginning to think that the TIA’s were actually post traumatic stress attacks. Plan to visit a neurologist in Canada and discuss the matter. Perhaps the daily statins and baby aspirins are not necessary. I shall get around to it – other items are on my priority list.
I received an email from my cousin wishing me a Happy Birthday. It made me most happy and responded to her. We had lost touch with one another. She is my ‘paternal’ cousin – the daughter of one of my father’s brothers – he had seven brothers. A lovely Instagram message
She: Happy Birthday beautiful soul have a sparkle one
Me: Thank you. Your greeting makes me indeed sparkle.
Another from a man met in London at the Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel (where I also met the Crown Prince of Dubai and many, many members of the Royal Family of Qatar.)
He: Hello, Alexis. Wishing you only the best of birthdays and sending love from overseas. Are you cruising the world or back in Canada?
Me: Canada!!!!! I am so happy. Please come and visit me. You my favorite hugger.
This man gave me a hug when I desperately needed one. I had blogged about the attempt made on my life in August of 2020. Writing about it was healing but a hug was desperately needed and delivered. We stayed in touch – he lives in Manchester. He is very handsome, by the way.
Well, onward. It is now 7:30 – an Apple Genius Bar appointment at 11:30, Restoration Hardware appointment at 1300 and an appointment at the RBC at 1400 – a busy day with LOG driving me about.
