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 →
From Paws n Tails Photography, Summerland BC I’ve been thinking a lot about what I wanted to do with my photography after everything that has happened here. I had planned an August opening special to introduce Paws N Tails Photography to Summerland. But after the fire, that just didn’t feel right anymore. We are so... Continue Reading →
An archival shot from Cartwright Mountain, an area likely destroyed by the Bald Range wildfire. Resources and thoughts assembled by me, the Very Rev. Ken Gray, all in light of the Bald Range Wildfire in and around Summerland, BC as we and over 20,000 others are evacuated from our homes and community for an indefinite... Continue Reading →
[Ken Gray - As evacuated Summerland residents continue to receive news of safe return, social media channels are rife with misinformation, some mischievous, some ignorant, some ill-informed, and some raw with anger. The research described below offers analysis and possible solutions.] First published by UBC Okanagan News August 5, 2026 On August 1, 2023, a... Continue Reading →
Image: Hope, Susan Norie From Facebook [Ken Gray - I don't know Banu Tülümen's but they tell a beautiful story admist so much uncertainty.] I don't quite know how to describe these past five days. There are stories everywhere. Some heartbreaking. Some heroic. Stories of loss and uncertainty, but also extraordinary stories of kindness, generosity... Continue Reading →
These images were created prior to our evacuation from Summerland late Friday night. Given our hurried packing there was no time to take shots of the fire itself though we did witness the Cartwright Mountain Ridge (our dog walking area) fully aflame. Many such images are sprinkled throughout social and news media. Our evacuation story... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 