I created this blog TAKE NOTE as a presentation space for a wide variety of topics: politics, culture, biography, future church, dogs (and their blogs), music, and photography amongst other interests. The latter has received short shrift, until today that is. Now returned from two weeks in Nova Scotia, with camera firmly in hand I... Continue Reading →
What I did on my summer vacation — AKA There’s no place like home
A sermon for the Anglican Congregation in Summerland, BCSunday, July 21, 2024 // The Very Rev. Ken Gray The idea was so simple. In exchange for presiding and preaching at Holy Eucharist for just two Sundays at the Church of the Nativity, Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia we would receive rectory accommodation at no cost to... Continue Reading →
And the envelope please – Conversation with characters
IMAGE: etsy.com Many blogs available on this site feature “letters” in different contexts. I have however never commented on envelopes, until now. The following shared from Inspire Hub Facebook “Kurt Vonnegut tells his wife he's going out to buy an envelope: “Oh, she says, well, you're not a poor man. You know, why don't you... Continue Reading →
Time to laugh
On this day, when Donald Trump will be crowned king of a new world (the election is now simply a formality), when a messiah will be welcomed by a new republicanism characterized by a bully pulpit, hillbillies, religious imagery and all, this blogger at least must look elsewhere for some comfort, and to humour as... Continue Reading →
Singing for my supper
I have now “sung for my supper,”--and I did actually sing, though not for my supper. In leading Anglican worship at the Church of the Nativity in Sandy Cove Nova Scotia on Sunday, July 14, 2024, I have now fulfilled my liturgical obligation. The deal was that I would lead worship for two successive Sundays... Continue Reading →
The legless man of Sandy Cove
Every place has its own mystery stories Here's a great one from Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia He was found on the Bay of Fundy shores of Sandy Cove in Digby County in August of 1863 not far where we are now vacationing in 2024. Left with a few ship's biscuits or a loaf of bread... Continue Reading →
“They’re getting sick already”
Things to avoid in Westport, NS on Friday, July 12, 2024 “They’re getting sick already” was the message received by our whale-watching tour operator as we confirmed our own reservation for later in the day. A tour currently on the water called in saying they were experiencing heavy swells with strong headwinds; there had been... Continue Reading →
Fog
Leaving behind a hot and humid Halifax, driving south through the Annapolis Valley dotted with little towns, we have now arrived at Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia, our home for the next six days. Passing through the fierce heat of the small University town of Wolfville, experiencing the friendliness of the Digby Atlantic Superstore, we were... Continue Reading →
AFRICVILLE
I still cannot understand why the colour of a person’s skin matters so much even in our own day to so many in our modern era. We are all created human, each a variation on a singular miraculous theme. So what is the problem with race and colour? I just don’t get it. Take Africville... Continue Reading →
Maudie’s mansion
Anyone familiar with the work of artist Maude Lewis must visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and in particular the Maude Lewis gallery when visiting Halifax. Surrounded by works from the provincial collection, and from collections of generous benefactors, visitors are met not only with samples of her art, but by her actual house,... Continue Reading →