Bringing you up to date, Seniors, pandemic and moving on to regular notes next week.

I hope you are healthy as you read this. Today one of my universities asked us as alumni to say something to present students. I provided a blurb, called a sibling to see if it did sound good and sent it. I am always amazed at how the universities I went to, reach out to us. I loved university. I have attended two more webinars since I wrote you last as well as my weekly self and client care. I also reached out to a Seniors community centre to offer group work pro bono. I reached as well to a homeless shelter for the same. I quickly heard from the Senior Centre because seniors are suffering so much in isolation. This is my way of giving back. One of our associations asked us to volunteer as Emergency Response for disasters etc…and I did think about that. It involved providing three sessions pro bono and then recommended a price for ongoing treatment or we could offer our full rates. I did not choose to go that route. I feel a sense of responsibility to my clients. When I started practising I was asked by a church to provide free sessions as part of a draw for funds needed by the church. I thought about this and then went to an Association I belonged to and asked if this was ethical. They provided me with some ideas to think about and I did. I finally said no to the church. If I would give three sessions let’s say for free what happens when there are a lot of issues to deal with and the recipient needs more care? I have an obligation. Do I just say that’s it? What happens if the person cannot afford therapy, etc……That was the motivating factor for saying no to the emergency response. During these times of crises there is money for that with the government and charity organizations. That is why I did not volunteer for that. What this pandemic has taught me is that there is a great need for seniors. Retirement homes were the hardest hit. When the military was sent to retirement homes to assist, that spoke volumes to me. Not all aged homes who could have asked for help did. One thing may have been culture. Some people came here from countries where they have suffered abuse from their own police and military. They would fear our military in their homes. They have been traumatized in their countries of origin. That is only one factor that I am suggesting. I have known for years that seniors suffer in homes for the aged. I don’t know how many w 5 or 60 minutes type of shows have brought attention to that. Seniors who have provided so much to society are now suffering neglect. How did we allow this to continue for so long? Some are now saying that Senior homes should not be for profit. In Quebec there was so much negligence in one private home that during an investigation, a nurse went from viewing what was happening, to return to her vehicle to cry. That alone is so upsetting. Not all homes have suffered from the pandemic and perhaps that should be examined. Why are some homes free of the pandemic and others so bad that one, that I know of had to be closed down? What went so wrong? I hope that people can learn from this pandemic. I hope that we can open our eyes to see where work needs to be done and improved. Our premier Ford just the other day on the news was so mad at greedy corporations who are refusing to give tenants/businesses a break that if they don’t he is coming for them. The language didn’t surprise me. I also found it comforting. It is the right thing to do. Our government is also helping so why can’t they do their part. So many people are not working right now. Someone told me just yesterday how fortunate I am to be working. It takes me back to my Ethics course last December before this all started. My colleagues from that Association mainly work in hospitals and are so overworked, one told me how luck I am to have a private practice and to make my own decisions of how many clients I should have. They were very right and now I wonder how everyone is faring. They are the ones that people turn to. How do they maintain their own self care? My associations have been wonderful, especially the Canadian Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. I am at awe at how hard they worked to try to make deals with corporations of different platforms authorized to use and more. I did check with the American Association of Family Therapists legal team for ethics regarding providing therapy for Americans. The response was that it was doubtful because I would have to check with each State and be registered with that State etc…….I informed the lawyer that I would not renew my association. It is not with spite, it is just too costly. They too are providing free webinars but aside from the one when I first examined an online platform I have already attended or studied from their perspective. I need new. I am not altogether in letting this option go. I am a Registered Psychotherapist and that is another route I can examine in the future. For now I shall drop the AAMFT and select another Association which consists of a range of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists etc…….. I think this would be a better choice for me right now and for my clients. However, I shall wait until this pandemic is over. I will miss AAMFT. However, the cost is much to high especially with the state of our dollar right now. It is now practical. The lawyer suggested I stay for the option of attending the conferences. As you know I cannot leave my pets for more than two nights. They grieve each time I leave and are not friendly with others. I rescued them and they do not feel comfortable with others. They are now 19 years old but are so happy and healthy that they might just hang in there. As you know Holy Terror is the star in “The Internet Murders” www.silvaredigonda.com . I also belong to the Sisters of Crime and I have been very pleased with the two webinars they provided. One was at the end of the day on Tuesday where I could barely keep my focus since it was a long day. The other was on Saturday night and I was wide awake and keen. That is the one with the Forensic Psychologist. Initially, she began with the differences between a psychologist and psychiatrist and I thought it was going to be boring as so many webinars have been for me simply because I already know all that. However, that did not stay long. She was riveting. Her lecture covered two of my careers. She has written about 60 books non fiction, and is teaching at an American University. She is also providing a two day on line course. If I wasn’t so busy, I would definitely be interested in doing a PHD in Forensic Psychology at that university. However, I am just one person and I cannot simply do it all. She deserves a full blog and I will provide that. For now I think I have brought you up to date. If you are bored you can buy one of my three books. Keep yourselves safe and please listen to the infectious- disease doctors even if some politicians think they know better. Be able to distinguish opinions from experts in the field. I have decided to continue self isolating and see what happens to the statistics in two weeks. Stay safe and God bless. What do you think? I will like to continue with my theology and psych notes. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

Why are people still having problems with social distancing during this pandemic? Why not….

I have been taking this pandemic very seriously. Quite simply I don’t want to get it. I love life. There is much I want to do. My life has always sped quickly and during this phase it is not slowing down. So, I have much to live for. I love the beauty around me. I love nature. I love good company. I love good food even though I have become a vegetarian. I love animals and I respect it all. Many of us knew it was a matter of time before we would have this pandemic. Many of us know that global warming soon will not be reversible,,,,,,,,,And so the story goes. With some, unless there is a knife at their throat, do not see any danger. There are still those who believe that the world is flat. I think one is a politician. If that person got elected than he is not alone in his thoughts. However, because I love life so much, I do expect others to stay six feet away from me. I have my faults. When my neighbour’s pet comes to me, I will give him a treat and it is anticipated that I will. Others keep their pets away from me as if I have the bubonic plaque. I understand. I know pets can get Covid 19, even if they cannot transmit it to humans. However, with humans I make no exception at this moment in time to come near me. I have been good. I have only gone out for groceries. I am happy that yesterday I was able to have Krispy Kreme delivered to me. I had a discussion with a friend yesterday that when this is over, she can come over for a nice dinner. I haven’t seen her since September. She has it all planned out how to maintain social distancing while dining, I would like to wait until this is more down the road. Today they opened the store fronts; parks are now open. I am hoping to get a long walk in but what if I have to go to the bathroom? Maybe I should take my car, limit my coffee drinking, but how do I leave the house without drinking at least two cups of coffee? I almost did it today. I almost went out to my car to drive to my lovely High Park which has just opened. If you haven’t read my second book, you won’t know that when I went to high school, I would skip classes to go to High Park. I have always loved the outdoors. It must be in my second book. I have to read it again (www.silvaredigonda.com). But, then the snow began to fall and to continue to fall. I already stored away my winter clothes including my head coverings. I watched people walk along outside my window in their parka’s with their hoodies up, taking their faithful dogs for a walk. It is a new week, with a new beginning. The hardware stores are open. I have some projects planned but not until I have something done first. The insurance company said I need a new roof. It is not because I need a new roof. Insurance companies now dictate what they want you to do because they can. If you don’t do what they say, then they will eliminate coverage for whatever ……. So, I shall do that because I have other priorities. Then when it is more convenient, I shall drop them and get another company which may ask for other things. My insurance company has not decreased my rates though I have used my car once each month since the pandemic. Others had done so on their own accord and I shall go to them for insurance in future. It may be just good business but it is working for me. I loathe greed, especially during these times. I want to also help the little businesses but again this past Saturday, only two days ago, I went to a local store and I was impressed that all were maintaining social distancing. The owner also began telling a man off who was not maintaining his distance behind me or at least I think she was berating him. It wasn’t in the English language but it was not said with a smile. And then it happened. It was my turn to go to cash and wouldn’t you know it a man came beside me, he faced me and looking down at me barely two feet apart if that, he said “sorry.” Sorry???? I sprang away from him and blurted out “Six feet.” I have been so good, staying at home, walking away from people to stay six feet away and depriving myself of my freedom so I don’t get this horrid virus and then I go to get milk and bread, to have a man hovering over me and saying he is sorry. Not only that but the milk expires tomorrow. Now for sure I am not returning to that store. I know the poor owner was probably tired of raising her voice at people to maintain their distances but the area is not partitioned at all. So, until this pandemic is over, it is over, and I am back at the big stores because they have areas partitioned. They have six feet distances marked. They have their cash registers partitioned off for the safety of their employees and for me. Maybe the city needs to do spot checks throughout the city to ensure that minimum requirements are met. I know that people are demonstrating that they want everything to open, they want to get their hair done, their nails done and some don’t believe there is a pandemic. Well if you still have people believe that the world is flat, the holocaust never existed and scientists don’t know what they are talking about than why not have difficulty staying six feet away from someone? So, I will go to a park very soon and I hope that people don’t congregate because if they do, than the city will be forced to close the parks again and the stores. We can get through this pandemic but only if we work together as a team. Let’s do this. This pandemic does not discriminate. It attacks us all. You may have no symptoms at all and be a carrier. Think about that. And please stay six feet away from me so I can continue to love life and all those in my life including those I serve.

And how was your weekend?

I had an excellent weekend and my foot is still back there. I am quite apt at amusing myself. I awoke once with my pet, Mr attitude purring on my pillow beside my head. He had managed to take the entire pillow, while I had none, but the purring was nice to wake up to. I am pleased that my pets are so happy. As I mentioned last week I was to attend three webinars and almost missed one because it was on a Saturday evening but I remembered an hour before it started and am pleased that I did. My first webinar was about Health and Safety provided by York University. I think they have an excellent program. They sent me an email today with a web site for anyone friend or colleague who may be interested. I am going to post it here. If you are an employer, I would suggest that you send someone to complete the program. I find that many are at a loss of what to do when there are problems that arise. Health and Safety should be implemented at any work force but it is best when someone knows what they are doing. Here goes if you are interested. Actually, I just clicked on this and what it is, is the Patient Navigation of the Pandemic. I watched Part 1, which I felt was enough for myself. I am familiar with what was talked about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttog64BL_0A> You can also check out York University on utube or facebook and the Health and Safety talk should be out soon. The other webinar about couples and fun was not so fun to me. I would recommend looking back last year at my conference at Guelph. The psychologist there was researching the topic and I found that more satisfactory and enlightening. My last webinar was the Sisters of Crime which I am a member of. Usually when there is no pandemic, they meet once a week and, my bad, have never attended. Mainly it is because it is a day when I see clients and sometimes it runs into the evening. As you know I write for fun. I just don’t have the energy after a long day of work. I do have to try to incorporate that somehow because I did learn so much at this one. “How to be a Better writer” can also be found on line. It is free for the members of “Sisters in crime or of crime (men are included). There were about 450 listening and the Editor did provide good tips which I incorporated the next day by reading, Mary Higgins Clark Just Take My Heart. If you are not a member you can watch for a reasonable fee which I would recommend if you interested in writing a book. I also watched a movie somewhere that I would recommend especially to any instructor because it is about life and change and sadness and happiness etc……Have your students watch it and have a good discussion or have they analyze what they saw. “Finding Your Feet” is a British 2018 movie. If you watch it and have an opinion, why not share it? I don’t want to spoil it so I will reserve further comments. I only recognized two of the characters from previous movies. I found it entertaining and educational. So, that’s it for now. We had one beautiful day and that is where I spent it reading a book, on my patio, sipping coffee and practising what I had learned. I need to read my own books again sometime this summer, through different lens. Anyway, please take care of yourselves, maintain social distancing but keep in contact with others through media of some kind or the telephone. Have some sort of structure to separate your day. Be kind to yourself. One of my neighbours left me a wonderful treat and that was a highlight. Some gestures of kindness are so appreciated especially during these times. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask for it. In the city, there are so many resources. If you live elsewhere why not start a support group. What do you think?

Hi.....You still there? www.silvaredigonda.com

Well I have been busy though it feels I am still on holidays. I have three webinars within the next three days, I have completed much of my paperwork and this morning I even spent a hour or so getting back to writing my book. I have two on the go. One is what I promised to write for a friend of mine who died last fall. I have put that one on pause. I returned to my first book which I stopped writing because it was too spooky and depressing and I thought it might be good to take another look at it, since it is spooky and depressing times. Many people are confused about the pandemic and some think it is a punishment from God. What if...??????????????? Well remember what I write about is fiction ......but what about a nice horror book for you. No blood or gore. I know that many are tired of that. Maybe a bit of blood.......... I am returning to Word on the Street this year and so I need to get motivated to write so my one fan doesn't think I have given up on writing. It does feel good when I get the same people visit me each year. One is a writer and I bought a book from him and it is funny with a setting in the States. I am still writing about Canada, Toronto. After all that is where I live. This year Word on the Street will be held for two days so if you don't get me Saturday, you will get me Sunday. I am going to wait to give you the dates because I didn't record it in my calender yet. With this pandemic, I don't know if it is a go, but I paid for my spot and so I am game. I have my own table to stay six feet away from people and maybe I will buy a hockey stick to stick my books out. Who knows? It's all good. Anyhow, it did feel good to get the juices in my brain working again this morning. I also got good news. A friend of mine doesn't have the COVID 19 beast, when I thought he did. This was such great news. Saturday is supposed to be nice here with 18 degrees and sun. I have one webinar regarding procrastination in book writing, or words to that effect, but that will be early evening. So, my excitement is back. I did book too many webinars and I want to cut that out. I did read a book regarding Mia Farrow's bio. Interesting. I never watched a Woody Allen film. I have been watching movies though and I thank my provider for giving me so many additional free ones. So many people have shown us their positive side during this pandemic and I suggest focusing on the good, rather than the bad. I have to cut it short because my webinar should be starting soon and I have one more thing to do before that. If you want to read one of my books, don't be shy. It's at www.silvaredigonda.com. You can download the book of course at a price but I am worth it. I wish you all a warm weekend. This virus shall pass. I am pleased that I can finally grow my hair again without a stylist trying to cut it all off. Why do they do that and for outrages prices at that? As for myself, no man has never let me cut his hair. I have no idea why not. That is on my bucket list. Later..........

How are you doing? I am fine. Bringing you up to date with what I am up to. Some tips. Religion anyone? Nova Scotia; my sympathies. Toronto Zoo donations?

First I want to extend my sympathies to the people of Nova Scotia and all those who were affected by this tragedy considered the worse massive killing in Canada. I often hear people telling me how they want to retire in Nova Scotia and also have a wonderful neighbour from there. They want to go there because the people are friendly and the area is beautiful. So, it is quite sad when a couple who retired there was killed. Many more were killed by the man who went over the bend. The Prime Minister had asked not to name the killer or show his photo and this was ignored. The intent is well meaning but people need to know and understand and the more information is hidden, the more frustrating and confusing it may be. That this happened out East is what has disturbed many. It can be expected in the big bad city, but not in the beautiful peaceful area out East. Grieving is also difficult during normal days, but during this pandemic where people need to keep social distancing, people will grieve differently. People need to talk about how they feel and I hope they open up to each other. I hope they consult with their chaplains, therapists and community. Canada grieves with them for such a great loss. Now on a lighter note. How do you feel about the pandemic? I actually feel like I am on an extended holiday and I was trying to figure it out? After all I have been working hard. Is it because I am not seeing people in person? It has to be that. It is also because though I am a very social person, I have had to restrict it in my physical persona. How has this been for you? I have incorporated my on line practice and I intend to keep it (as well as face to face when we open up the city). Right now I have asked the Lawyers in the States, how I can extend my practise to the States. After all I am among my more than necessary associations, a clinical fellow with them. Marriage and Family therapists are recognized in many States. I understand the complications of the law here and how an electronic practise operates here in the different provinces and their regulations, and how to keep up with that side of the house. I am covered and have done a lot of research in that department with also the help of one of my associations. I charge $130.00 a session and many may think that is a lot, but there are also many who thinks it is not. One night before this pandemic and I was out dining with a friend, he brought it to my attention that a previous fellow student was charging 200 a session (who has less qualifications). I advised him, that I am aware that people at times qualify others by what they charge. I continued that anyone can afford my prices if they can afford to eat out. That is my intent, that people can afford me. They may be able to afford me weekly, bi-weekly or monthly but they can afford me. I live in a city where there are many free resources. However, I have a private practice. I can charge whatever the economy can bear. Right now that may be questionable to some who are reading this. With people suffering from mental illness, this pandemic is making it worse, because many resources have shut down. However many are also and slowly developing an on-line presence. Here are some numbers to assist you if you need the resources. Get the help you want if you need it. Toronto Residents can call 211 for mental health support numbers Ontario Price Gouging Hot line 1-800-889-9768 Those experiencing crisis may contact crisiservicescanada.ca Children may call Kids Help Line: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT TO 686868 Seniors Help Line: 416-217-2077 Senior Safety Line: 1-866-299-1011 Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511 Frontline Workers Support: Contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 Post Secondary Student Support Line: Good2talk at 1-866-925-5454 Hope For Wellness Helpline: Indigenous People may call: 1-855-242-3310 Support for Indigenous Women: Talk 4 Healing at 1-855-554-4325 COVID 19 Questions? Call Toronto Public Health 416-338-7600 Symptoms? Contact your Health Care provider or Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 for Breathing issues or other severe emergency symptoms call 911 As for myself, my rate has not risen this year but it will next year. For more info about me, check out my web site. www.redigondapsychotherapy.com Yesterday, I ventured out to do groceries. I had completely run out of fresh vegetables and fruit and needed to stock up once again. I had ordered from Costco Online and received my three packages from the five I ordered and I want to see if I get the other two before I order from them again. They showed photos of all that I had ordered coming but it hadn’t. Today I received two more photos of the same item I had already ordered. Now I am going to wait to see if I receive what I actually ordered. If so, then I shall order from them again and realize that not everything comes at once, the photos are not reliable, the delivery is not reliable but it eventually comes intact. If you call it takes one hour for someone to answer, and if you send an email, you have an automatic response that does not answer your actual question. Yes, everyone is busy and I do understand and that is why if I actually get everything, I am ok with it. I also have a security camera for proof. I am sharing this with you in case it happens to you so you are prepared, unlike I was. I did go through to the Harvey’s drive through. They are now open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. I loved it when they extended the hockey stick right into my car so I could tap my card and pay for my wonderful veggie burger, onion rings and fresh black coffee. The only problem was that by the time I disinfected my frozen and cold products and had them go into the fridge, my food was cold. Next time, I will eat it all either at the lot or as soon as I get home. I can always leave the items in the car with this cold weather. I really recommend Harvey’s. It never disappoints and the hockey stick well that is so Canadian which Harvey’s is. I have also had invitations on line from my Associations and Universities. I have to now decide which to attend on line. I attended the one about navigating the pandemic for the health field with York University and I will be attending another with York University next week, Psychological health in the work place. I took health psychology and I remember the Psychologist speaking about how he examined work places for issues that arose and his findings. I found him quite interesting. He also gave a fifteen minute relaxation technique for us in class and handed it out. I use it to this day for clients who are extremely stressed. It works for most, however not for those suffering extreme anxiety. With those, I have them practise breathing to calm them down or use a tad of mindfulness for them to calm down and to practise on their own. University of Toronto also send out an invitation to us alumni for a module which will last about six hours. I registered but haven’t heard back. The best about all this, is that it is being provided for free and I can use it for education hours. I did pay for a two hour education for “Couples that play together, stay together.” That is on next Friday. I talked about play and couples last year which was discussed with one psychologist who was doing research on the topic at that Guelph University seminar I had so much fun at. I have to slam on the breaks because I am doing too much. So I have to turn down invitations. The American Association of Family Therapy also offered three free courses, but I have already heard one speaker for an entire day here at a conference. The other two, I again have experience with. As you know I am always trying to grow and learn more which at times is difficult because there is a lot of repetition. So, whenever I get the opportunity for some new research or advancement, I am in. I have also been attending a weekly one hour gathering on line with the Canadian Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. We discuss self and client care. It is wonderful connecting with therapists across Canada and seeing ourselves in our environments with our children poking their heads in and waving or our pets sitting on our laps or being invited in. This is much less formal than our gatherings at conferences. It is all rather fun and I continue to make this weekly session a priority. I was also invited by another association to do something similar but I can only do so much and had to decline with an explanation. I normally stick to what I start. This group also wants to start a reading event, but I already belong to “The Sister of Crime” (which men also belong to). We are all writers and so I am going to attend their webinars as much as possible. I had to stop writing because of all these changes which left me with little imagination time. They are offering two webinars which I am really interested in. One will be with a Forensic Psychologist and another will be about how to be motivated to write in the pandemic. I really need to get that in somehow. Word on the Street may be cancelled this year, however, if it is not, it will be a two day event. York University has shut down it’s annual show case for two years. This was decided before the pandemic. There are new people in charge and with the new, the old ideas go out and new ideas come in. It’s all good, though I shall miss selling my books there. If you are interested in buying or downloading my books, feel free to do so. I always appreciate feedback. www.silvaredigonda.com I have pretty well brought you up to date. I have skipped religion so here goes. This Saturday at 4:00 pm there real be a live broadcast of Ramadan (Muslim Religion). You can sign up on line or just go to the site to watch it live at the time I gave you. The site is VIRTUALRAMADAN.CA . As for myself being Roman Catholic, I have been watching the Pope providing mass from the Vatican. He is a Jesuit and I studied with the Jesuits. There are also virtual masses being provided by different churches, my own included, but I like sticking with the Pope. Someone told me that there are churches in the States that are encouraging their parishioners to assemble in person in certain churches and that they will be protected by God. This is not true. Just think that God gave you free choice. That means he gave you a brain and allows you to think for yourself and make your own choices. You can suffer the consequences of that choice. So for now, stay well. Eat well. Decide what you want to do with this time. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask. Oh, I almost forgot. The Toronto Zoo has asked for donations. It costs one million dollars a year to feed these beautiful creatures who bring such joy to not only to us living in Toronto but to all the tourists. Usually the parking fees and entrance fees cover the expenses but the zoo has been closed as is everything else around here not essential. The animals need to be protected from the virus as well. Please if you can afford it, donate some money. You can donate on line or call them and do it on the phone. That is one place I want to return to once this pandemic pauses. Take care. Have a good week. Stay strong.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak updates, symptoms, prevention, travel, preparation - Canada.ca

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak updates, symptoms, prevention, travel, preparation - Canada.ca

I support the work the liberals are doing now. However, I do believe that questions need to be answered and not skirted around. This happens too often.