Guelph University Conference - Thank you Guelph University - Wow!

It has been a very busy time and I am still on a roll. I spent three days at Guelph University for a conference where Aging and Health was the theme. There were a generous amount of speakers and I will be sharing of what may be of interest to you. I stayed on campus for convenience and rented a Town House. I have to admit it was spooky being all alone in it but it backed into a wooded compound where I could watch the birds and squirrels. One chickmunk escorted me around for a bit and being a lover of nature, I was in my element. I had no tv or internet, so that was new for me and most refreshing. I use my cell phone for clients only with no internet for distraction. I cannot remember the last time that I was free from news or world media. Nice.........I suggest you all try it for at least two days and feel free to share. This was definitely the best conference to date where I was greeted with the best of hospitality and food. Guelph's motto is To Improve Life and so our conference included presentations on health, sexuality, food security and climate change, aging well, benefits of dog ownership, collection and preservation of information resources and most interesting listening to the Head Coach Dave Scott-Thomas talk about his journey. He is now an award-winning coach and it was very interesting listening to him and learning how his approach works. Our hostess utilized a cattle bell to alert of us breaks etc.....It was fun watching this delightful and jolly woman clinking away. A few tid bits of Guelph as I heard it. In 1953 the first cable broadcast initiated. Guelph has 30,000 students and students are as from as far of 120 countries. It is known as a food university (amazing food). It is known to be the best food for students in all over Canada. I will attest that. I do believe it is in one of my blogs where I mention taking a summer course at Guelph and I was impressed with the food. No other university that I have attended came close. It is a lover of the Elm tree and created a new version resistant of the desease. The Yukon potatoe was created there. During the first day, I just drove to Guelph, went to visit where Fr Bill German now rests at the Jesuit community just outside the city of Guelph. He is whom I dedicated my third book to. I then returned to the city and stopped at A & W's. I just discovered it one day when we couldn't find a restaurant that had vacancies near a play I was going to see. I like their veggis burgers and love their french fries so I did not hesitate to stop when I saw ample parking. I had brought my own espresso coffee machine and boy was I glad. The townhouse had a nice kitchen but it had nothing in it. I had a coffee each morning and sometimes in the evening when I was there. That first evening the shuttle bus came and took me to the Art Gallery. I was surprised to see the art work for sale from the husband of a friend of mine - nice and catchy price. They had opened the new exhibit for us before the public the next day. The hors d'oeuvres kept coming and they were spectacular not only aesthetically pleasing but to taste. One had a cream topping that just melted in your mouth. I talked to as many people as I could who were from all the different universities across Canada. This is an annual conference of College and University Retiree Associations of Canada. The primary aim is to coordinate activities that promote communication among member organizations, to share info, provide mutual assistance and speak publically on issues of concern to more than 15,000 members across Canada (some details taken from the provided program). We were all delighted to hear that our lunch would be provided at the expense of the university as well as our treats and coffee at break time. All inclusive. This was definitely my best event. I will be breaking down informations in the following weeks as I took notes. If you are a retiree from an university I do encourage you to join. Next year this will be held in British Columbia but as you know I am not really retired, or shall I say I keep redefining myself and having different careers. I am never allowed to leave home for too long as my pets begin to miss me terribly. People miss me at a different scale. As I reveal what was spoken during the different programs, I will decide what to include for my education hours. No certificate here, but that is ok. I did attend a seminar as well since I spoke to you last and that will provide me with 5 hours. I usually exceed the 20 hours a year required for my professional development. The seminar was about compassionate fatigue and I am glad to say I am mentally healthy. I have notes there too, but I want to continue with the Guelph conference. I may however, do as promised and provide you with theology notes on alternative weeks as promised. Til then have a wonderful weekend.