Another chapter in the series Stories from Somewhere, fictional reflections of an unidentified place at an unknown time. Other chapters are listed here. Our paths have not crossed for a couple of weeks now, so I am out of touch. Obviously, Ronni and a few others have been busy making plans, exactly for what, I... Continue Reading →
Traditional Religion meets evolving contemporary needs
Originally published as “Christianity isn’t just in decline — it’s become obsolete, says sociologist -- The problem isn’t simply about belief. ‘[Traditional religion] doesn’t fit ordinary life,’ says Christian Smith.” by Julie McGonegal - Feb. 6, 2026 on Broadview Christian Smith says that traditional religion hasn’t merely lost adherents — it’s become culturally obsolete. That’s... Continue Reading →
Empathy or Cruelty? — The choice is yours — J B Pritzger, Governor of Illinois
Previously published on Substack by Heather Cox Richardson on Feb 18, 2026 Long, but worth a careful read “I’ve been thinking a lot lately about love—about loving people and loving your country and the power involved in both,” the governor said. “I know, right now, there are a lot of people out there who love... Continue Reading →
Lenten discipline — Pope Leo XIV on Lent
[Pope Leo XIV] I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbour. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present... Continue Reading →
Every home needs a Phodographer
Heartography: Nikon once turned a dog into a photographer using a compact camera and a heart rate monitor (Image credit: Nikon Thailand / YouTube) By Hillary K. Grigonis published February 11, 2026 DigitalCameraWorld As a former Nikon shooter, Juno's PaPaw endorses this article with both interest and appreciation. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS WITH YOUR LATEST... Continue Reading →
Tailpipe standards, Trump, and your next vehicle
By Marianne Lavelle, Dan Gearino - February 13, 2026 - This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) Sign up for their newsletter here. With the repeal of the Environmental Protection Agency’s scientific finding on the dangers of greenhouse gases,... Continue Reading →
Pastoral emergency
Another chapter in the series Stories from Somewhere, fictional reflections of an unidentified place at an unknown time. Other chapters are listed here. “There is no such thing as a hopeless case”—AA Big Book “Minister, I need you to come over right away. Please. I am in trouble. Come right away.” I haven’t heard from... Continue Reading →
A Winter’s Tale, NOT
Juno, 2022, Kamloops BC Six year old Labradoodle, Juno, lives with her humans in Summerland in the BC Okanagan. This year they have had almost no winter at all. She is not impressed. See below. I am disappointed, downhearted, and furious that winter has skipped us this year in the South Okanagan. There was only... Continue Reading →
String music
Another in the series: Stories from Somewhere, by Ken Gray “I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in him”—Stuart Townend Walking downhill towards the church on a crisp autumn evening, the retreating western sun infusing fluffy clouds with shades of orange and yellow, I see the lights on in the church. Did I... Continue Reading →
Prepare . . . Welcome . . . Greet: Discoveries, at the Vatican
A sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour, Penticton, Sunday Feb 8, 2026 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray Writing in Vatican News Tiziana Campisi describes a most unusual Papal event: “An unusual Sunday Audience took place on 1 February 2026 in the Apostolic Palace, which was reserved for Gentlemen of the Papal Household, Antechamber... Continue Reading →