I was pleasantly surprised while watching yesterday's provincial budget presentation from the Saskatchewan legislature.

Health, highways, social services and education, as usual, are the keys.  We demand it as Saskatchewan citizens.  In fact, Minister of Finance Donna Harpauer announced funding for a proposed, new joint-use school on Moose Jaw's South Hill.

Watching the provincial budget delivery might sound like a boring afternoon activity but I enjoyed it.

I saw the Honourable Gene Makowsky was the only other MLA in the live shot of Harpauer while she spoke.  I wonder if that was planned - designed to make the viewer, the Saskatchewanian, feel safe and well-protected by "Mean Gene."

I also enjoyed the finish - when government MLAs rose from their seats - a standing ovation for the Minister of Finance and Minister of Justice Don Morgan looked across the floor with the brightest smile and motioned for the other side of the house to rise and applaud.  I don't think they did but I'll bet he got some smiles.