With apologies to John Cleese and his Meetings bloody Meetings Everyone agrees that air travel isn’t much fun these days. The lingering effects of COVID, complications arising from Boeing aircraft malfunctions, capped off by continuing security concerns all make travel--especially through large airports--complicated, tiring, and lengthy. Consider my recent trip through Toronto’s Pearson airport, arguably... Continue Reading →
If it’s good enough for The Guardian and for The New York Times, each running selected stories and opinion pieces between Christmas and New Years presently, it’s good enough for me, Juno. Welcome to Juno REDUX, a look back at my canine journalistic parlance par excellence during 2023. I must start with Therapy Dog Team,... Continue Reading →
True confession. I am no teetotaler. I enjoy the occasional glass of beer, sometimes a nice gentle Cab Sav, and in quiet moments, a single-malt scotch, and more recently Irish whisky. I enjoy both the taste and the subsequent relaxed feeling that all produce. I will never drink, however, when I am stressed or despairing.... Continue Reading →
Another creative generosity story in our little town of Summerland Sometimes it’s good to know that “Santa” is right next door, ready to deliver gifts to gladden the hearts of everyone, regardless of age or circumstance. Enter the Santa Gift Bag project. Neighbourlink Summerland started the Project three years ago during COVID to reach out... Continue Reading →
A guest blog by James Fofonoff I just returned home from the dress rehearsal of Summerland Singers and Players latest live theatre production: We are performing six shows of "It's A Wonderful Life"—a radio play. As the cast debriefed with Director, Linda Guebert. I shared some thoughts on the value of community theatre from my... Continue Reading →
The production by Summerland Singers and Players of “It’s a Wonderful Life—The Radio Play” continues well with three performances now under our belt. The cast, including the foley (a live sound effects technician) are sure-footed and able to cope with the inevitable variations we each insert into our performances. Live community theatre is a team-building... Continue Reading →
Juno and her MaPaw, Kathie are a certified pet-therapy team now volunteering in Summerland and Penticton “If I end up requiring the care provided in a nursing home, I will only live there if they have visiting dogs or a resident dog. End of story.” This is what MaPaw said the other day as we left... Continue Reading →
Working with her fun friend Cameron, Juno has discovered a new toy, not as much fun as a ball, but on its own terms, quite amazing. To the prompt “sea shanty about a labradoodle named Juno” the following emerged. With minor tweaks, this would be publishable. Performance rights granted to all Labradoodles. (Verse 1)Oh, gather... Continue Reading →
Another in our “The shorter the word, the bigger the meaning” series Now four years old, dog-blogger Juno is a Labradoodle living in Summerland in the interior of British Columbia. Real estate agents bring cards; musicians bring EPs; academics bring recently published books. We all need something, a token, a symbol, with which to introduce... Continue Reading →
I am Incredulous! I could not believe my eyes or ears. It seems that the “Downward Dog” has new meaning and potency this morning in our little town. Summerland council said NO to making the pop-up Peach Orchard dog park permanent. Citing significant neighbour and resident objection, council will seek alternate locations for a permanent... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 