On a recent visit to Victoria we stayed in a lovely historic three-bedroom house on Selkirk Street in the Gorge district of Victoria West. This charming neighbourhood has much in common with areas of the city such as Fairfield and Fernwood, areas we know well having stayed there over the years. Vic West is however... Continue Reading →
I never would have believed it. If someone told me that Summerland’s favourite Labradoodle would be arrested and held in custody at the RCMP station in our little town, I would have laughed out loud, or even cried. But it happened. There I was, at the dog beach one summer afternoon, doing what Labradoodles do... Continue Reading →
Good friends, Greetings from the fire-ravaged BC interior, and the unceded land of the original people of the Okanagan, the Syilx. Some of you are part of the Johnson book project (now at the publisher copy-editing stage!); others are local St. Stephen’s Summerland leaders. Some are members of the Social and Ecological Justice working group... Continue Reading →
Should I feel threatened by the seven-day week? Some say YES, and their anxiety is beautifully crafted in a New Yorker article “How the Week Organizes and Tyrannizes Our Lives.” Harvard history professor Jill Lepore explains how “work schedules to TV seasons to baseball games, the seven-day cycle has long ordered American society. Will we... Continue Reading →
A re-post from Anne Lamott. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Help, Thanks, Wow; Small Victories; Stitches; Some Assembly Required; Grace (Eventually); Plan B; Traveling Mercies; Bird by Bird; Operating Instructions, and the forthcoming Hallelujah Anyway. Her blog was posted Sunday, August 20, 2023. “The harvest is past, The summer is ended,... Continue Reading →
A guest blog from Michael Shapcott Located in Sorrento, BC the Sorrento Centre is on the traditional and unceded lands of the Secwépemc First Nation. Since time immemorial, the Secwepemc people have practised virtues of harmony and generosity. We are so grateful to be welcomed as their uninvited guests. Thanks to Executive Director, Michael Shapcott... Continue Reading →
Juno is an award-winning canine blogger who recently was unable to attend the Juno awards as dogs are not allowed on the red carpet. She lives in Summerland, BC with her Mamaw and Papaw, Kathie and Ken. My auntie Sheila came to stay the other day. She will be here for most of the week.... Continue Reading →
Another in our “Life in our little town” series. “So Doug, how do you stay so healthy?” Doug is an eighty-six year-old friend who despite some medical challenges enjoys a comfortable and medically stable life. So I was curious, and asked the question. His answer was both immediate and simple. “I attend Recope three days... Continue Reading →
Grumpy old men used to really bother me. Now I am one. I used to meet these guys everywhere, in church, in music, in discussion groups, and in the grocery store. I would think to myself, whatever it is that's irritating you guy, get over it, now! As the Good Lord said, "he (used intentionally... Continue Reading →
True confession—I have never built a Heathkit. Growing up in Victoria, my friends and I would travel downtown on Saturdays to the old Shaver Shop on lower Yates Street, or to Radio Shack (now The Source) and check out all the cool stuff. Problem was, I don’t solder—tried it in metalwork with a soldering block... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 