Few people, if any, name their plants; I am likely the only one. I named my Tropical Green Blood Leaf plant with pink stems Larry for no particular reason. The name felt right at the time. I bought him (gender assigned) from a local greenhouse back in the Spring thinking he could fill an important... Continue Reading →
I have always imagined a “fireside chat” as the place where two people enjoy conversation and libations in front of a roaring fireplace in an English country house. or a remote Canadian cabin. I have enjoyed both over the years, where the conversation included politics of all sorts and stripes, religion, photography, biography, literature, music.... Continue Reading →
A lovely post from Summerland resident, Dorothea Atwater We went into Summerland today to visit the Evacuees Resource Centre set up on the top floor of the George Ryga Arts and Cultural Centre. Everyone was very nice and helpful. Then we went downstairs where the Summerland Community Arts Council has a lovely little arts and... Continue Reading →
This picture is misleading. The town looks lovely -- even green. Closer inspection will reveal that the mountain from mid-image over to the far right is crispy, dark, and burned. When we left, the fire topped over the ridge and was coming straight for us. Thankfully, the wind changed though widespread damage occurred elsewhere. The... Continue Reading →
With thousands of Summerlanders we are now cleared to return home. We are excited to finally return. Our almost 7-year-old Labradoodle, Juno, shares our joy. We know our home escaped damage; likely the worst evidence of the Bald Range Wildfire will, for us, be smoke and ash. A local pet owner posted just yesterday a... Continue Reading →
A Sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour, Penticton, Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray I don’t know if you’ve heard the news, but there’s trouble brewing at BC Ferries; and I don’t mean long lineups, service interruptions, or adverse weather cancellations. As former residents of Vancouver Island, Kathie and I... Continue Reading →
Writing today from an undisclosed location in central Ontario 90 minutes’ drive and boat ride north of Peterborough. It’s summer here at a lovely cottage thanks to a kind invitation from a new family member and her parents. I say “cottage,” having originally typed “cabin” inappropriately. There is an important distinction between the two monikers.... Continue Reading →
by Galumalemana Bolivia Smith As the golden rays of the sun streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting vibrant colors across the altar, and the choir sang, “All Heaven Declares the Beauty of the Risen Lord,” I felt a deep sense of connection between heaven and earth. I was reminded why, as the Choir Master of... Continue Reading →
The Rev. John Jackman, a man with a white beard and hair, and a boy of about 9 in a Scout uniform are shown at the altar of a church, with colorful confetti floating around them. Heard on US National Public Radio, June 28, 2026Noam Levey for KFF Health News WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Some issues,... Continue Reading →
Robert Reich Jun 28, 2026 Friends, For the next seven days, most of America will be engaged in celebrating the birth of our nation 250 years ago. Trump wants to use this occasion for his insatiable ego by putting his name and face everywhere he can. His grandiosity is boundless; his narcissism, loathsome. Others may... Continue Reading →
