A few days prior to February 29, 2024 I want to think out loud about how I might use this quadrennial leap year gift. Once every four years, a day is added to compensate for approximations within the calculation of time, as earth continues its spatial and temporal riot through the cosmos. So help me out please. Which do you suggest I do on February 29, 2024?
- I could spend the day reading, which I love, though tend to fall asleep so easily. Presently I am enjoying another Ken Follett saga, Age of Eternity, and a thematic exploration of the Book of Romans, Resurrecting Justice. I also picked up a couple of John Berger’s novels at the Penticton used book store.
- I could travel far afield, Nelson for instance, but every time I suggest to daughter Hannah that Kathie and I will visit her, she comes here instead. We also saw Cameron in Victoria recently, and I have just returned from a book launch tour in Toronto. So I am staying put for now, but looking forward to some time in Nova Scotia in July.
- I could make some special calls to family members, but we have been in touch recently. I have contacted many friends through our Christmas/Epiphany letter, so those lines of communication are presently active. I am looking for something truly unique.
- I could go on a photo shoot, but my oh my, the weather has been horrible for photography latterly, and this meteorological malaise shows no sign of abatement for the near future. I could, should, and may do some interior table-top, macro work. Our new home is marvelously equipped for indoor work given our foot to ceiling glass windows.
- I could take specific action to challenge unjust neoliberal economics and rapacious climate destruction—actually I do this daily, so not a new activity.
- I could sign up for Ancestry.ca and investigate my family lines. I think I will leave this to son, Cameron, as he is the most interested of all of us in family history.
- I could pray. ‘nuff said. (I will never be known as a prayer warrior.)
- I could read up on BC Strata Property Law. Well, this is ongoing. Does not make me smile😊.
- Kathie and I could travel locally, to Osoyoos, to visit the infamous Home Hardware store—three stories of creative and curious consumer adventure. They have everything! Trust me. It reminds me of Summerland’s Five to a Dollar, or Saskatoon’s Mayfair Hardware, or Mouat’s in Ganges on Salt Spring Island.
- Finally, well, more of the same. It’s just another day, or is it?
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 
I recommend the home hardware in osoyoos😊
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Let us know when you are coming to Nova Scotia ! Bruce and I are using the extra day in February to visit a small country inn for German food and a peaceful night! Sue
I acknowledge that I live and work in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) people first signed with the British Crown in 1725. I recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples connected to and on this land. I are grateful for the opportunity to gather on this territory and work in this community, and I commit myself to the work of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
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Will do. Love to see you both again
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The Osoyoos trip sounds like a good idea! Whether you do it or not, I think I’ll recommend it to my hubby–he’d love that, I think! Maybe we could cross the border, too, while we’re there, just for a lark!
Your Ancestry idea reminds me that my daughter, who is big into genealogy and Ancestry.com, wants hubby and I to do our DNA test. We’re not particularly delighted at the idea … I wonder why? Hmmm…. must be something subconscious. I do wonder…
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Wonderful post, Kenneth. Reading is my go-to option too … not even coffee beats it!
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