The most conspicuous absence on the island this winter is the Canadians. Every year we see lots of snowbirds from our northern neighbor in residence here. Their absence is part of the bad times brought on by the pandemic.
Most, if not all, are stuck in their frozen environs due to the pandemic and government restrictions on travel, uncertainties about insurance coverage and simple fear of traveling south to the United States. It must be disheartening for those who year after year have made their winter homes here.
We miss seeing the Maple Leaf flags flying and, for us, the exotic license plates from Ontario, Quebec and the maritime provinces like Nova Scotia.
We miss seeing the Canadians out walking in shorts and t-shirts in 40 degree weather here when the locals all have donned ear muffs, long pants and jackets.
We miss the accents, especially the pronunciation of house, out, about and the frequent saying of “eh” (pronounced “ay”).
Our merchants, no doubt, miss all the money the Canadians pump into the local economy in rentals, shopping and restaurant bills.
If we don’t, we should miss having the Canadians here to help keep us honest about ourselves. They are loving critics of America and we need them.
Finally, those of us fortunate to know Canadians miss their friendship and how they improve our lives.
As a representative of that fine country 🇨🇦, I can tell you we miss the warmth of both your weather and the fine people we are lucky enough to call friends. Hoping to once again grace your shores in late 2021.