View across the Outer Harbour of Stornoway

Thursday 26 November 2009

Thursday 26 November

First of all, happy Thanksgiving to all the folks in the States. Here in Lewis, Thanksgiving is also celebrated: it is the only place in the United Kingdom to observe this religious festival in November. Elsewhere, a harvest festival is celebrated in September. Other than the religious link, I don't think there is much in common with the American holiday.

The weather today is nice and sunny - at the moment - although the radar is showing some light showers out in the Atlantic which are headed our way. I've just filled up the bird feeders, which are being emptied at a phenomenal rate. November is nearly over, and the temperature is slowly declining: a max of 9C / 48F today.

I have been sending out Google Wave invites; still got 4 in hand, so anyone who is interested please email me on adb422006 [at] gmail [dot] com.

Over in the States, there is a huge debate going on about the funding of health care. It is an issue that naturally interests me. Having read journals over the past 3 or 4 years, the problem has become quite graphically illustrated to me. Today, I posted an entry on Call for Support for Christina - and if you read her entry, you'll see the point I'm making. It is atrocious that any person combating cancer or any other major disease has to worry about money to fund their treatment. That should be taken care of through taxation or the equivalent of national insurance contributions, or even private health care insurance, to such an extent that you don't have to worry by the time you need health care.

6 comments:

  1. Thank you for the Thanksgiving wishes. I know our health care is a big mess over here. Many go without medicine or treatment because they cannot afford it. It would be a wonderful world if everyone was treated equally, but sadly not. One thing I am thankful for is my health. Thankfully I don't have to rely on what insurance will pay for.

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  2. Happy Thanksgiving Guido!


    I totally agree with you!

    Have a great day.

    Michelle

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  3. Happy Thanksgiving Guido,

    God Bless,
    Mik

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  4. The more I travel the more I appreciate our health service...Once in US my nieces husband became very ill although he had ins. the ins. policy refused to pay up (after saying they would) However long story short man in next bed had heart complaint, wife, 2 small children, it was un-operable and as his Ins had run out he was promptly sent home to die,I will NEVER forget that young womans face...

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  5. Happy Thanksgiving,Guido.
    Have an enjoyable day.

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