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 →
Prior to returning to Summerland where Kathie and I lived and worked from 1994-2005 we needed to make a decision. Would we have our mail re-directed to our new address? I thought it was a waste of money; Kathie, however, wanted the service. So we now receive correspondence from gutter cleaners and weed removal services;... 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 →
Our “little book”: Partnership as Mission: Essays in Memory of Ellie Johnson is now published and available for sale. Kenneth Gray, Maylanne Maybee, EditorsWipf and Stock Publishers; 288 pagesAvailable in softcover, e-book, and hardcover Now through December 19, on sale at 40%off. Visit our publisher, Wipf and Stock and use the code JOY23 to receive... Continue Reading →
Image: Harmony Lawrence from Pixabay I doubt that any of us enjoy failure, but according to Jancee Dunn writing in the New York Times, if not fun, failure has its benefits. Dunn goes so far as to say that if we want to thrive, first, learn to fail. She tells of Sara Blakely, founder of... Continue Reading →
With contributions from Linnea Good It’s great to come home, especially when travelling by air, whether from a holiday, a productive work-related trip, or a visit with family and friends. It’s great to return to a familiar place, to be met by familiar people, who will help you carry your luggage out to the car—that... Continue Reading →
“My name is Ken.” “Hi Ken.” “I am a Blue Jays fan.” “Well that sucks.” It sure does, these days at least. According to Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star, “This (past week) was supposed to be a statement week for the Jays. Instead, it might be the week they gave the Rangers a second... Continue Reading →
Another in our “Life in my Little Town series” I was lost, and no one was able to help me. I asked several bystanders where the TAFA booth was located, but no one knew—I received only puzzled looks and pity—people had other priorities. We were surrounded by perhaps 100 beautifully restored cars. While a few... Continue Reading →
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 →
Eddie Cross has a long and distinguished career as an administrator, economist, politician, writer, and more recently a blogger in Zimbabwe. Introduced to me online by my friend, Chris Rose--a personal acquaintance of Mr. Cross—I find his social, economic, and political analysis not just historically interesting, but also instructive for our own experience here in... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 