First, though, we watched the teachers march in Perth. The first time in 20 years that all four groups are out. Short story: blame the amalgamation, and provincial bargaining tactics of Mike Harris back in the day. From collective agreements with individual boards, to agreements with all teachers across the province, parents and trustees lost the ability to make choices for their kids.
Now, our premier Ford, and crew, they are unilaterally cutting services, teachers and support staff. It is awful. Student needs are increasing. Gr. 2 kids throwing things, having meltdowns. There are so many more mental health issues, biopsychosocial issues, as well as physical needs of kids. 
We went river otter hunting. It's always hit and miss. To sight them, you need open river water. JB suggested Flinton/Myers Cave Rd., but it's an hour drive, and no guarantee that they will be there. I suggested we go to Code Road first. If that isn't good, it's likely we won't see any in the open water there.
The river in Port Elmsley is open in some spots, not others. I wasn't sure if we'd see anything.
Lots of traffic...in places.
Down to Code Drive. It was frozen tighter than... well, you can finish that off! That saved us a two-hour round trip drive to Flinton. We did see them here: March 22, 2018 – River Otters. We are early for open rivers, but keen to get out of the house.
JB turned the car around, waiting for me, and I notice we have a headlight out.
We went to Smiths Falls for lunch. There is a bit of reconstruction going on. The main drag is dusty! The restaurant we headed for was closed, and we headed back to Rideau Ferry.
They are building, too. I checked Google to see what was here before.
This is last year.
Work is being done this year!
10 comments:
...my three kids are teachers, I don't know how you do it. Students come to school these days with so many needs, teachers take up the role of the parent.
Health and education are the most important part of helping children grow. What is wrong with this world? Pay teachers better and provide more services. Sorry for the rant.
A beautiful drive, all white considering, even without sighting otters. Maybe next time.
This is called progress, pull homes down, make new commercial buildings and huge motorways. Love the snow, pity the otters are still hidden.
Your photos remind me of how much I dread driving through any town/city where there is construction going on!!
I’m sorry to hear about the lack of special educational services for those children who need them. It makes life extra hard for classroom teachers.
I remember a friend taking us to see a family of foxes on Code Road YEARS AGO. The little ones were chasing each other and jumping on each other and rolling down a slight incline. What a time.
Daughter and I are still talking about taking a drive to Smiths Falls for a visit. Maybe Carlton Place too. There is a yarn wholesaler in the area we want to check out and cousins to visit. If we ever get organized to do the drive it would be great to meet you for coffee or lunch or something!
Education seems to be having problems a lot of places and it all involves politics ~ crazy world it has become ~
Neat town photos ~ despite construction ~
Happy Moments to You,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
World wide it seems children are held back by budget cuts h lack of teachers.
I heard the teachers are on a small strike pay, hard for those with families especially.
I've only seen otters up in Algonquin Park.
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