Thursday, December 31, 2020

Reflecting on 2020

 It seems conventional on blogs to produce a year-end review, often consisting of your best photos.  I do not have any photos from 2020 that leap to mind, and I expect that our year has been a little different from  many of you,  so I am just going to offer you a few thoughts.  

Determination vs Acceptance

At some point last summer we both reflected independently that we were getting frustrated because of unfulfilled expectations and were no longer really enjoying life.  Our physiotherapist and occupational therapist were trying to get me to stand up (in a. machine), and get me into a manual chair, almost it seemed, determined to get me walking again.  But I was not making much progress.  We were getting increasingly frustrated and realizing that there were limits to how far I could recover my former life.  

Instead we thought it would be most effective if we focussed on adapting to this new life, and making the best of our situation.  The biggest example of this was switching our attention to our own backyard, putting in that nice patio that will allow me more mobility, at least in the summer months.  Between that and the planters on the deck We have a whole new set of opportunities, at least for half the year.

The Pandemic

We are all going to say it, we will be glad when this is all over and we can get back to normal.  But for me and many others, this is normal.  We are not able to just up and go visit friends; often going out to events means making special arrangements.  True, our life has closed in on us much more than usual, but we have a pretty closed life as it is.  Other than stores that offer essential services, there are few that I can get into or maneuvre around easily.  And parking is always an issue.

And that is only talking about the warmer 6 months of the year.  There are very few days warm enough  or streets clean and dry enough that I could get out for a ride in the winter!  As for the virus we are very lucky to live in a corner of southern Ontario that has not been heavily affected - no deaths yet and only a few hospitalizations since the very beginning of this.  We do miss getting together with our family; that has been the biggest impact for us.  But we stay in touch by phone and Facetime as much as we can.

American Politics

I have to say, that because of the U.S. presidential election and all that came before it, as well as after it, I feel I learned more about the American political system than I ever did in 71 previous years!  For someone observing from outside, it has been  really mesmerizing!   I now understand (at least superficially) the three branches (or is it four) of the U.S. government, the Congress and Senate, the Supreme Court, and over all this, the President.  I even have a vague understanding of how the Electoral College works.  Sometimes I think I understand the American system better than our own.

Two things surprise me.  One is the individual personal power of the President, who seems to be able to run the country any way he wants, regardless of which side you may be on.  The other is the awesome stability of the politicians.  Here it is not uncommon for one party to get almost wiped out in the polls, and one election cycle later to come roaring back to claim a majority.  There are actual policies that get debated and make a big difference in elections.  American politicians seem to stay in office for decades, and parties control the voting to such an extent that the party in power never changes.  I can only put this down to gerrymandering, a phenomenon I still do not understand.

But certainly I will remember 2020 as the year I learned all about American politics.

Best wishes for a great 2021!





 

15 comments:

  1. 2020 is a good year to put behind us all -- with no guarantee that 2021 will be much, if any, better. Nonetheless, there were some good aspects to it for most folks. Sorry to hear that you learned a lot about politics in the U.S., the way they are causes a lot of us down here to shake our heads and sometimes brings a tear to the eye. I often wish we had a parliamentary system like yours, but maybe that's no better.

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  2. I am so happy 2020 is almost over! As far as US politics I wish we had term limits on our senators and congresspeople. I agree some of them stay in office way too long! Wishing you and Mrs FG a very happy new year!

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  3. I know more about the American system of government than I wish I did. When I was young, it felt invincible and pretty darn perfect. And then along came the Great Disruptor and he's busy tearing down Democracy as I write this. :-(

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  4. My good wishes for 2021.

    All the best Jan

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  5. Happy New Year to you both! And maybe 'normal' again next year.

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  6. HAPPY NEW YEAR - WHAT ARE WE GOING TO WATCH WHEN TRUMP IS GONE. WE ARE IN LOCKDOWN.

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  7. We, well I did watch the US elections , a LOT, and I also did learn some interesting facts., And the limitations we all face these days, Hugh is very unsteady on his feet, I can drive daytime and local only, but we do not have that winter snow and ice to contend with. You both are so sensible to decide for yourselves the way forward that does nbot put pressure on either of you, the patio, garden beds ( we have them too), and that inner strength and spirit. Let 2021 be kinder, safer, and our friendships remain true and loyal.Happy New Year to you both.

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  8. Hello,
    I think we are all looking forward to the day that we can be normal again. For you, I hope you have many good weather days in 2021, so you can get outside. As far as our politics go, I believe we do need term limits. Then we can get rid of the corrupt politicians that have been in office for way too long. I wish you and your family all the best in 2021, a very happy and healthy New Year!

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  9. I salute your decision to improve the life you can have rather than pushing for the unlikely. And I wish you a Happy New Year, and good health to enjoy your home and especially that patio when good weather returns.

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  10. I think if your look under the American carpet of power it is always about the money. Those who have the money pull all the strings and that is where our Democracy has failed. I hope you have not totally given up on walking trying again. You never know what determination can bring...if nothing else at least a little sweat and exercise.

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  11. Happy New Year to you both! I wish you an overfull wagonload of beautiful days to get out on that new patio and take those lovely drives that we all love hearing about.

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  12. I learned a lot this year, as well.
    I hear you. We just have to adapt, and many have. I'm pretty much a hermit, so I'm not so much affected.

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  13. Happy New Year folks. Better days ahead for sure

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  14. Yes, American politics has sure taken over many of our attention spans these past 4 years or so whether we like it or not. We are like a small mouse in a tiny room with a large trumpeting Elephant. I think that was a wise decision focusing your attention to the realities at hand and having that deck built, I hope you get to spend many enjoyable hours this year whether it be scootering around town or on your deck with camera in hand.

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