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Maintaining optimal gut health is essential for overall well-being, and in Canada, a variety of products are available to support digestive health. Here’s an overview of some top options:

1. Probiotic Supplements

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer health benefits by balancing the gut microbiome. In Canada, several reputable probiotic supplements are available:

• Culturelle Daily Digestive Health Probiotic: Contains 10 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, a strain known for supporting digestive health. It’s a well-regarded option for maintaining gut balance. citeturn0search2
• Genuine Health Advanced Gut Health Probiotic: Offers a multi-strain formula with 50 billion CFUs, designed to promote a diverse and healthy gut flora. This product is tailored for comprehensive digestive support. citeturn0search1

2. Prebiotic Supplements

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria, aiding their growth and activity. Notable prebiotic supplements in Canada include:

• YourBiology Gut+: Combines prebiotics and probiotics to enhance gut health, particularly formulated for women’s digestive needs. It supports overall digestive function and well-being. citeturn0search3
• Symprove Daily Essential: A liquid prebiotic supplement delivering live bacteria to the gut, aimed at improving digestion and supporting gut health. It’s recognized for its efficacy in maintaining a balanced microbiome. citeturn0search8

3. Synbiotic Supplements

Synbiotics combine probiotics and prebiotics to synergistically support gut health. An example available to Canadian consumers is:

• Ritual Synbiotic+: This supplement integrates prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to support a balanced gut microbiome, relieve bloating, and promote digestive health. It’s designed for comprehensive gut support. citeturn0news15

4. Dietary Considerations

Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables into your diet can naturally enhance gut health. Additionally, consuming a variety of fiber-rich foods supports the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Consultation with Healthcare Professionals

Before starting any new supplement regimen, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure the product aligns with your health needs and to avoid potential interactions with medications. Resources like the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation offer guidance on selecting appropriate probiotic products. citeturn0search0

By selecting suitable gut health products and maintaining a balanced diet, you can effectively support your digestive system and overall health.

When seeking high-quality hemp-derived CBD gummies in Canada, several reputable brands stand out for their commitment to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Here are some top options to consider:

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CBDNorth
CBDNorth offers vegan-friendly gummies made from organic Canadian-grown hemp. Each gummy contains 20 mg of CBD isolate, available in assorted sweet and sour flavors like lemon, orange, grapefruit, strawberry, cherry, and grape. The company provides free shipping on orders over $99 and offers a 45% discount for Canadians in need, such as low-income individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and university students.
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CBDMagic Zen Leafs
CBDMagic’s Zen Leafs gummies come in various formulas, including full-spectrum CBD, sleep gummies with added melatonin, and gummies with minor cannabinoids like CBG or CBN. Potencies range from 30 mg to 140 mg per gummy, catering to different needs. The company offers free shipping and has a 4.6/5 average rating from over 200 reviews on Google.
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Happy Bears Edibles
Happy Bears provides a wide variety of gummies, including full-spectrum, THC-free, vegan, sugar-free, and Delta 8 options. Potencies range from 30 mg to 100 mg per gummy, and the products are available in multiple mixed fruit flavors. The company offers free shipping on orders over $49.99 and a 35% discount for veterans and seniors.
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Resolve CBD
Resolve CBD’s gummies contain 20 mg of pure CBD per piece and come in a strawberry jello flavor. They are available in packs of 5, with options to purchase up to 8 packs for greater savings. Orders over $50 qualify for free shipping, and a subscription option offers 20% off.
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Plant of Life
Plant of Life offers full-spectrum CBD gummies in natural flavors like raspberry, pineapple, and dragonfruit. Each gummy contains 20 mg of CBD, and the products are praised for their effectiveness in aiding sleep and relaxation.
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When choosing CBD gummies, consider factors such as the type of CBD (full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate), potency, flavor, and any additional ingredients that may enhance the product’s effects. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

You should not put snow tires only on the front of a front-wheel-drive vehicle. While it might seem logical to place snow tires on the front wheels, which provide traction and steering in a front-wheel-drive car, doing so can create serious safety hazards. See All Season Tire info below.

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Why It’s Unsafe

1. Imbalanced Traction:

• Snow tires on the front wheels will provide better grip, but the rear wheels (with regular tires) will have less traction. This imbalance can cause the rear of the vehicle to lose grip and skid, especially when braking or turning.

1. Increased Risk of Oversteer:

• With less traction in the rear, the back of the car can swing out (oversteer) during cornering or on slippery surfaces, making it difficult to control the vehicle.

1. Compromised Braking Stability:

• Snow tires improve braking performance, but if only the front wheels have them, the car’s stability can be compromised when stopping on icy or snowy roads.

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The Correct Approach

1. Install Snow Tires on All Four Wheels:

• For optimal safety, traction, and stability, snow tires should be installed on all four wheels, regardless of whether your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive.

1. Consistent Handling:

• Having snow tires on all four wheels ensures balanced handling, improved cornering, and safer stopping distances.

1. Why It’s Especially Important in Winter:

• Snow and ice affect all wheels, not just the driven ones. Equipping all four wheels with snow tires ensures your vehicle can handle slippery conditions effectively.

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If Installing Four Snow Tires Is Not Possible

If budget or availability limits you to only two snow tires:

• Put them on the rear wheels, even for front-wheel-drive vehicles.
• While this will not provide optimal traction for acceleration, it helps maintain stability and prevents dangerous oversteer.

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Conclusion

Always install snow tires on all four wheels for the best safety and performance during winter driving. If you’re unable to equip all four wheels, reconsider driving in snowy or icy conditions until proper tires are installed, as partial coverage significantly increases the risk of losing control.

All-season tires can handle mild winter conditions, but they are not ideal for severe winter driving. Their performance is generally adequate in regions with light snow, occasional ice, and moderate cold. However, for areas with heavy snow, icy roads, or consistently low temperatures, dedicated winter tires are significantly safer and more effective.

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All-Season Tires in Winter: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Versatility:

• All-season tires are designed to perform adequately in a variety of conditions, including mild winter weather.

1. Convenience:

• They eliminate the need for seasonal tire changes, making them convenient for drivers in regions with mild climates.

1. Cost-Effective:

• All-season tires can save money if winter-specific tires aren’t necessary in your area.

1. Light Snow Performance:

• In areas with light snow and slush, all-season tires can provide sufficient traction and stability.

Cons:

1. Limited Grip in Severe Conditions:

• All-season tires lack the deeper tread patterns and specialized rubber compounds needed for maximum grip on snow, slush, and ice.

1. Performance Decreases in Cold Temperatures:

• At temperatures below 45°F (7°C), the rubber in all-season tires hardens, reducing their ability to grip icy or snowy surfaces effectively.

1. Longer Stopping Distances:

• All-season tires take longer to stop on snow or ice compared to dedicated winter tires.

1. Not Designed for Extreme Snow or Ice:

• They cannot handle deep snow or thick ice as effectively as winter tires.

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When Are All-Season Tires Acceptable for Winter?

All-season tires may be sufficient if:

• You live in a region with mild winters, where temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
• Snowfall is light and infrequent.
• Roads are well-maintained and cleared quickly after snowfall.

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When to Choose Winter Tires Instead

Winter tires are a better choice if:

• You regularly face heavy snowfall, icy roads, or subfreezing temperatures.
• Your area experiences frequent black ice or packed snow.
• You want the best possible safety and performance in winter conditions.

Winter tires offer:

• Better Traction: Their deeper treads and siping provide superior grip in snow and ice.
• Cold-Weather Rubber: Designed to remain flexible in low temperatures for better handling and braking.
• Improved Safety: Shorter stopping distances and better stability on icy and snowy roads.

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Conclusion

All-season tires are adequate for winter driving in areas with mild, occasional snow and moderate cold. However, if you live in a region with harsh winters, consistently cold temperatures, or icy and snowy conditions, dedicated winter tires are a much safer and more reliable choice.

Dealing with a customer who eats most of their meal but requests a refund requires a balance of professionalism, diplomacy, and fairness. Here’s how to handle the situation effectively:

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1. Stay Calm and Professional

• Remain Neutral: Avoid showing frustration or judgment, even if the situation seems unreasonable.
• Empathy First: Begin by acknowledging the customer’s concern. For example, “I’m sorry to hear that your meal didn’t meet your expectations.”

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2. Politely Investigate the Complaint

• Ask Questions: Gently inquire about their experience to understand the issue.
• Example: “Can you tell me what you didn’t like about the dish?”
• Evaluate the Situation: Check if the complaint is reasonable and whether the food might have genuinely been unsatisfactory (e.g., undercooked, overly salty, etc.).

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3. Consider the Timeline

• Address Timing: If the customer ate 80% of the meal before complaining, it’s reasonable to politely point out the timing of their concern:
• Example: “I understand you didn’t enjoy the meal, but I notice most of it has been eaten. Could you help me understand what went wrong?”
• Be Diplomatic: Suggest that future complaints be raised earlier so the issue can be resolved immediately:
• Example: “Next time, please don’t hesitate to let us know sooner so we can make things right while you’re dining.”

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4. Offer a Compromise

• Partial Refund or Credit: If the customer has consumed most of the food but you want to maintain goodwill, consider offering a partial refund or credit for a future visit:
• Example: “Since most of the meal was eaten, I can offer a discount off your bill or a voucher for next time.”
• Replacement: Offer to remake the dish if the issue was mentioned while they were eating.

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5. Stand Firm (If Necessary)

• Set Boundaries: If the complaint seems unreasonable (e.g., eating 80% before deciding they disliked it), politely but firmly explain the policy:
• Example: “We always strive for satisfaction, but since most of the meal was consumed, we’re unable to issue a full refund. However, I’d be happy to discuss a partial adjustment or other options.”
• Policy Reference: If applicable, refer to your restaurant’s refund policy in a respectful tone.

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6. Focus on Retaining Goodwill

• Show Understanding: Even if you cannot offer a full refund, emphasize that their feedback is valuable.
• Example: “We take customer feedback seriously, and I’ll share your comments with our team to ensure we’re always improving.”
• Follow Up: If possible, check in later (via email or phone) to show you value their experience and invite them back.

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Example Response

“I’m sorry to hear the dish didn’t meet your expectations. I noticed that most of it was eaten, which makes it difficult to offer a full refund. However, I’d be happy to offer a partial discount or credit toward your next visit. In the future, please don’t hesitate to let us know earlier so we can address any issues immediately. We appreciate your feedback and hope to make your next experience better.”

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This approach keeps the interaction professional and balanced, protecting your business while showing care for the customer.

Getting rid of mice can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can effectively control and prevent an infestation. Here are some practical steps to eliminate mice from your home:

1. Identify Entry Points and Seal Them

• Check for Gaps: Mice can squeeze through very small openings. Inspect the outside of your home for cracks, holes, and gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and utility lines. Pay special attention to areas where cables or pipes enter the home.
• Seal with Steel Wool and Caulk: Use steel wool or copper mesh to fill gaps and then seal over it with caulk. Mice can’t chew through metal fibers, so this makes it more difficult for them to re-enter.

2. Keep Your Home Clean and Remove Food Sources

• Store Food in Sealed Containers: Mice are attracted to food crumbs and open containers. Keep pantry items in sealed containers, and avoid leaving food out.
• Clean Up Crumbs and Spills: Regularly clean counters, floors, and behind appliances to remove food particles that might attract mice.
• Secure Trash Cans: Make sure trash cans have tight-fitting lids and are emptied regularly.

3. Set Up Traps

• Snap Traps: Traditional snap traps are effective for catching and quickly killing mice. Place these traps along walls, behind furniture, and near entry points where mice typically travel.
• Glue Traps: Glue traps capture mice by trapping them on a sticky surface. These are effective but should be used cautiously, as they can be inhumane and messy.
• Bait Traps with Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is more effective than cheese because it has a strong aroma and is stickier, making it harder for mice to remove without setting off the trap.

4. Use Natural Repellents

• Peppermint Oil: Mice dislike the strong smell of peppermint. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in areas where you’ve seen mouse activity or near entry points.
• Other Scents: Essential oils like eucalyptus and clove oil, as well as substances like ammonia or vinegar, can also help deter mice. However, these should be used in combination with other strategies.

5. Employ Electronic Repellents

• Ultrasonic Devices: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are annoying to mice and may keep them away. Keep in mind that results are mixed, as some mice may become used to the noise over time.

6. Consider Professional Bait Stations and Poison (As a Last Resort)

• Bait Stations: Professional bait stations are often more effective than over-the-counter poisons because they are secured, preventing pets or children from accessing the bait. Use poison only if other methods have not worked and if it can be placed safely.
• Professional Extermination: If the infestation is severe or you’re unable to manage it on your own, consider contacting a pest control professional. They have access to commercial-grade treatments that can be more effective.

7. Maintain Your Home to Prevent Future Infestations

• Trim Vegetation Around the House: Mice use plants and shrubs to hide and access your home. Trim vegetation away from the walls and keep firewood and piles of debris away from the house.
• Regularly Inspect for New Entry Points: Seasonal changes can cause cracks to form, so inspect your home periodically for new gaps or potential entry points.

By following these steps, you can control and prevent mice in your home, keeping it a mouse-free zone.

How Often Do Mice Breed

Mice are prolific breeders, and under ideal conditions, they can reproduce very quickly:

1. Breeding Frequency: Mice can breed year-round, and a single female can have 5 to 10 litters per year. Each litter usually consists of 5 to 12 pups.
2. Gestation Period: The gestation period for a mouse is only about 19 to 21 days. This means that, theoretically, a female mouse can become pregnant again very shortly after giving birth.
3. Sexual Maturity: Mice reach sexual maturity at around 4 to 6 weeks old. This means that young mice from a recent litter can start reproducing within just a few weeks of birth.

With these factors combined, a few mice can turn into a large infestation in a matter of months if left unchecked, as each new generation begins breeding almost as soon as it matures.

On Friday, Aug 30th,2024 I visited the Marystown Model Ship Gallery with my friend Joe. I had seen a documentary about the models and was looking forward to visiting Marystown to view them.

I was born in Creston, which is now part of Marystown but had moved to Con Bay South ( Manuels) with my parents and siblings in 1958. Over the years I have made many trips back home. Some were vacation trips, while others were for weddings and funerals.

We had lived in the Ottawa area from 2008 to 2015 and had met our friends who wanted to visit the Burin Peninsula. I still work but I was able to get a couple of days off to travel with them to the peninsula. The Model Ship Gallery was not in our plans, however, we stopped at the mall and I noticed that this is where the gallery was located. My friend Joe and I visited the gallery while the women went shopping.

We were more then impressed with the number of models that the gallery had accumulated over the years. There are model submarines, dories, war ships, trawlers, schooners and just about every type of water craft imaginable.

We asked if they had a model of The Bonaventure. They didn’t!

I will have to make another visit to the gallery on my next trip to Marystown..

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Weather delays can cause major headaches in your travel plans. Yesterday my wife and I spent a few hours, waiting in anticipation for our flight, knowing that the chances of us traveling were slim. I had spent many of my early years as a travel consultant and manager so I am well aware the problems that flight interruptions can cause.

A friend of mine was tracking the flight plan on flight tracker and he updated me on the progress of the flight. The fog was thick and low to the ground but we felt that the airline we were traveling with could land, with the new radar system, that was installed a few years ago. However, it was not to be, the flight was cancelled and the aircraft had to go back.

A number of flights were cancelled and we are re-booked to fly out today. It is still foggy but we re hoping that we will get out.

We were inconvenienced but those things happen, however I felt for those who were connecting to other airlines, for those who were going on vacation and might miss their cruise, their tour or some other important engagement. Also there were those who had to try and get a hotel with the extra expense associated with it. There were older people who were confused and didn’t know what to do.

Travel by air is fast and convenient but delays and cancellations can be a nightmare.

Will keep you posted on how our travel plans progressed.

A repeat of yesterday. We are now booked for Thursday at 7am with a 6 hour layover in Halifax. Not ideal but we decided to take it. Have to arrange a ride to the airport and someone to pick us up in Ottawa.

We are losing 3 days on our trip so we will try to change our return date. It could be worse.

Finally got out on Thursday. We had a 6 hour layover in Halifax and on to Toronto and back to Ottawa. It was a long day.

The return flight was on Porter’s E195. We were impressed with this aircraft. The seats were comfortable and it was a smooth flight home. From porter’s website..The Embraer E195-E2E One Night Five E Two represents the latest in modern aircraft design, with contemporary cabin features for a pleasant passenger experience. The E2 is the most environmentally-friendly single aisle aircraft family, measured by sound and CO₂C O 2 emissions.

Links

Why travel delays are so bad. link

Travel woes when things don’t go to plan. Link

Seagulls seem to be everywhere and there are times we wish they wern’t. This is a photo our son texted to me as he was out for his morning walk.

Personally, I think this is a beautiful picture. The two seagulls standout, although there are other things that might catch your attention.

I have had some frightening experiences with seagulls especially during breeding season. A number of years ago, I was trouting, in a pond, about a half hours walk off the Trans Canada Highway. near Soldier’s pond. For those who may not be familiar with Newfoundland, it is a pond about 15 kms west of St John’s. See map below.

The pond is just below Butterpot hill and I believe it is called Var pond. It was a nice sunny afternoon and as I approached the pond I realized that there was a number of seagulls around the pond. As I walked around, they began to dive bomb just above my head. It was a little scary as they came very close to my head and I would continue to duck down. As I continued to walk around the pond it got worst. Eventually, I had to turn back and retreat. This was not my first interaction with seagulls but this was the most aggressive time that I have seen them. The numbers were much higher so I guess this was why there were so many dive bombing incidents on that particular day. I realize that they were protecting their nests

Youtube video discussing seagull attacks and management

The Newfoundland Railway, a historic railway system in Newfoundland, Canada, ceased operations in 1988. The railway played a crucial role in the economic and social development of Newfoundland during the early to mid-20th century. However, due to financial challenges and the emergence of alternative transportation methods, the decision was made to close the railway.

The Caribou as it was known was referred by those of us who rode and saw the train called it The Newfie Bullet. You can read more about the history of the train by following this link.

The closure marked the end of an era for rail transportation on the island. The last train ran on September 30, 1988, and the tracks were subsequently removed. The railway’s closure had a significant impact on the communities that were connected by the rail line, as it was not only a means of transportation but also an essential part of the local economy and culture.

While the Newfoundland Railway no longer exists, remnants of its history, such as old railway beds and some infrastructure, can still be found in various parts of Newfoundland. Additionally, the former rail line has been repurposed into recreational trails in certain areas, providing a different way for people to explore the landscape.

This is a section of the trailway in Long Pond. The train would stop here and drop cars on the siding, filled with cattle from PEI. I recall helping the Metcalfes move the cattle by truck or drive them down the road to their slaughter house and auction site. It was about three miles from the siding.

Trailway in Seal Cove. Part of railway line

I’ve always wanted a dory but it never happened until a week ago.  Some background about me and my desire for a dory. I was born in Creston South, NL way back in 1948. There was only a dirt road connecting Creston to the other network of roads throughout Newfoundland.  There were a few cars or trucks but most people had a dory or some other type of boat. We had a yellow dory.

In the fall and winter, the dory would be hauled up on our property, turned over and we would crawl underneath and use it as a hiding place. In the spring and summer we would row the boat around Creston Inlet and sometimes we would venture out into the channel. It was a pleasurable adventure for us young children.  The memories of a childhood in Creston South are etched in my mind. They were good times.

Then we heard the news from our parents that we were moving into  St John’s . We were happy and sad. There was talk that we would move to Toronto. I was 9 years old. Our furnishings were shipped by coastal boat and we took various forms of transportation into a house (more like a cabin) in Manuels. My brothe Sam and I travelled with our aunt and uncle. Their car was loaded down with stuff and we were squeezed in between. Twenty something flat tires later we arrived at our new home.  It took us 24 hours to complete an eight hour journey.

Alhough we never had a dory or a boat my fascination with dories never wavered. A couple of years ago, our daughter and her husband bought a cottage on the river in Terra Nova Village. We spent a lot of time there and we would go trouting in an aluminum boat. I wanted a dory to trout from and to row around the river and the lake.

About a year ago, I saw an ad for a dory for sale and went to look at it. My mind raced and I wanted to buy it but it was too big and heavy for me. It looked bigger now then when I was a child. I asked him if he could make a flat.  He said yes and that’s  all I thought about it. On Apr 8th he called me and said he had it built and did I want it. My wife and I drove to his house and it was exactly what I was looking for.  Below are a couple of pictures. I will be taking the dory/flat to Terra Nova for the spring summer. Looking forward to the trouting and relaxing while rowing up and down the river..

The dory/flat                                   Terra Nova sunrise

The builder, Ernie

Dory tour of Bay of Islands