Ottawa , December 28, 2025

Hello all, And I wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. As of now, I do not have any firm travel plans, but hope to have some soon. I understand the Influenza situation in Thailand is improving, and other destinations are quite likely. 

I have been very active since 14 of November, ringing the bells for The Salvation Army. This is a nondenominational charity that helps anyone in need. The work is totally volunteer, so every cent of the donations go to that charity. This year, it was hard to get volunteers, unlike previous years. Then, some who did volunteer did not show for their shift, and others called in to cancel, due to flu, etc.

While there were 30 kettles located around the city of Ottawa the group I worked for had three locations, the same as last year. We were advised at the close of the 2024campaign, our three kettles took in $46,700 dollars. I do not have a number for this year, but the goal was fifty thousand. At the close of our campaign this year, on December 24 at 2 P.M., I had worked 34 days, and had put in 140 hours. The kettles were staffed from ten in the morning until six in the afternoon.

I expect to be back in a few weeks with some travel plans. I see my family doctor on January 20, and plan to book soon after that.

Take care. The forecast for Ottawa to night and tomorrow is freezing rain, ice pellets, and then rain with a high for 3 degrees.