"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."—Winnie the Pooh Wife, Gine, and family members wrote: "Our dear husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many, Chris Rose, transitioned peacefully from this life on Wednesday Sept. 24th surrounded by his loving family and the loving care of his nurses... Continue Reading →
OK, I admit it; I am jealous of photographers who can travel to majestic, exotic, and breathtakingly beautiful places all over the world to capture amazing images -- Mount Killimanjero, Victoria Falls, the Great Bear Rainforest, New York City. I don’t travel all that well now; I cannot justify the expense given other priorities; I... Continue Reading →
I am often asked to share a song or a poem at variety nights or campfire gatherings. Typically I call up memories of British comedy classics from Flanders and Swan. Over the years I have offered my own version of Hoffnung’s The Bricklayer’s Lament. I really need to broaden my scope to include some Canadian... Continue Reading →
On Sundays when I do not preach or preside locally I try to include something relevant to “future-church” themes. While my typical Sunday morning worship experience occurs in traditionally built and appointed historic buildings, utilizing a familiar liturgy with mostly traditional music, I gotta say that I often don’t feel nourished. For many reasons, I... Continue Reading →
Call it a stroll through a forest; a walk along curvy pathways; a resting place between colourful flowerbeds. Whatever you call it, you are invited to join together for the second annual Celebration of Creation at the Summerland Ornamental Gardens on Sunday afternoon, September 14 gathering at the Gazebo at 2 p.m. It’s a great... Continue Reading →
With thanks to June Maffin I am pleased to share an insightful poem by Brian Bilston. June writes: “I believe that living in the US these days is 'Freedom with a Trigger.' ... 'Justice in a Holster' ... 'The Pulled Vote, Not the Cast Vote.' Thank you, Brian Bilston. Your words in your "America is... Continue Reading →
[Ken Gray] I spent my first nineteen years in Victoria. I return to visit frequently. I have lived in neighbouring communities from Sooke to Sidney and places in between. I know it well. Obviously things change over time; I get that. But what Gene Miller proposes below is a transformative vision which could, if enacted,... Continue Reading →
I started piano lessons when in third grade at school; I was around eight years old at the time. I remember my first lesson. (For Victoria friends, my first teacher was Robin Wood – I lasted about three lessons): Right hand only — C D E - E F G - switch fingers 5/4 -... Continue Reading →
Something totally different today. A test of memory for all my loyal readers, and those who arrive at this page by accident. (Lucky you.) An investigative challenge for those who enjoy the variety of personalities named in the over 680 posts viewed 103,000 times by over 64,000 visitors. This year, 2025, the volume of traffic... Continue Reading →
[Cartoon by Joe Wos] Three simple letters, PBS. It’s arguably one of the best known and revered acronyms in the US today. Along with CBS, NBC, and ABC three-letter acronyms identified the media landscape throughout my childhood and coming of age in the 1960s and 1970s. Now add to that FOX, CNN, and international sources... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 