Grumpy old men used to really bother me. Now I am one. I used to meet these guys everywhere, in church, in music, in discussion groups, and in the grocery store. I would think to myself, whatever it is that's irritating you guy, get over it, now! As the Good Lord said, "he (used intentionally... Continue Reading →
Every three years the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada meets in person for essential business, for the sharing of information and reports, for the election of officers and standing committees, for worship and prayer, and for social networking and a good deal of fun. The energy created by the presence of wisdom,... Continue Reading →
The ladder caught me by surprise as the offertory music played—a bit longer than usual. Standing beside the altar I had an unique view of the lush green colours and various shapes which make up the fibre art installation, but it was the stark black ladder that drew me into the orchard scene, and the... Continue Reading →
Juno, a Labradoodle since birth is an accomplished blogger and raconteur. It’s time to celebrate. I am almost four years old, and what a great time I have, day after day in our little town of Summerland in the BC South Okanagan. As the Gospel song goes, Every day is a day of thanksgiving. (I... Continue Reading →
True confession—I have never built a Heathkit. Growing up in Victoria, my friends and I would travel downtown on Saturdays to the old Shaver Shop on lower Yates Street, or to Radio Shack (now The Source) and check out all the cool stuff. Problem was, I don’t solder—tried it in metalwork with a soldering block... Continue Reading →
I remember my first piano lesson well. In fact, I remember the first piece of music that Robin Wood taught me. Sitting at one of the concert grand pianos at the old Victoria School of Music on Victoria’s Pandora Ave, right across from the McPherson Playhouse, Mr. Wood taught me the above keyboard melisma. Having... Continue Reading →
Another guest blog from Deanne FitzpatrickDeanne Fitzpatrick Studio https://hookingrugs.com/ Homebody. It is such a negative word. Someone who is boring, wants to be own the house all the time, doesn't like travel or adventure. It conjures up dullness. I dispute it. I dispute it all. Let's try this for a definition. Homebody. Someone who has... Continue Reading →
Part of our popular blog series Ken Helps around the House Few things are as adversarial in our house as conversations around loading the dishwasher. The management of finances, choices in relation to interior decoration, or the planning of vacations all pale in comparison. It’s a sensitive issue, packed with emotion, influences by ego and... Continue Reading →
Pixabay “Don’t you retired folks just go fishing anymore?” Out of the mouth of a not-yet-retired colleague came this observation, for many of the recent retirees he knows seem to be busier than ever following retirement. Beneath his verbal outburst lies an understandable question—is retirement a relaxing and enjoyable time or is it busier than... Continue Reading →
Dalali with a few of his friends at Summer Camp in 2019. Dalali is second from the right in the photo. Each year on International Albinism Day I encourage readers to consider learn more about Albinism. Born with the inherited condition myself, a condition which affects my sight and skin health, I have had my... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 