Cards facing up on the table; I value compassion, conversation, collaboration; I abhor competition, collusion, and condescension. Call me wimpy; it’s what has worked best for me over the years. Readers of this blog are well aware that my own politics lean progressive and left, so a criticism of the Canadian federal opposition leader Pierre... Continue Reading →
A new take on a comedy classic
With thanks to RC de Winter If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, "Who's on First?" might have turned out something like this: COSTELLO CALLS ABBOT TO BUY A COMPUTER ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you? COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and... Continue Reading →
I cannot shop at Costco anymore – A rave about rants
Lots of people love rants; just ask Rick Mercer, who built a comic career around them. They can be a great way to let off steam. They can help us discover who our friends really are. They can be effective social commentary or pure entertainment. They can appear in text, audio, or video formats. Some... Continue Reading →
Come fly with me
When visiting Victoria recently I finally had the opportunity to watch and photograph parasailers. At other times, driving by Clover Point on Dallas Road, I would often glimpse brightly coloured sails that looked like miniature parachutes, a semi-circular chair cum hammock for an airborne sailor. As we were always going somewhere else and there was... Continue Reading →
Love letters
A sermon for Sixth Sunday of EasterSunday, May 5th, 2024St. Saviour, PentictonKen Gray "The great living God of heaven and Earth who made the sea and all that swim in the waters, the skies and their flying birds, the solid land and all the creatures that grow, slither, burrow, lumber, or walk upon it on... Continue Reading →
Bear, or Berra? – Juno is curious
Labradoodle Juno is a popular dog-blogger living in Summerland BC with her MaPaw and PaPaw, Ken and Kathie Gray “What was your name again?” Juno asked. “Yogi.” “That’s an unusual name. Reminds me of Yogi Bear, you know, Yellowstone Park and all that—don’t burn the forest down—a Saturday morning cartoon character.” “No I am not... Continue Reading →
Tree Talking — Learning to care for one another, just like trees in the forest
Images from Haro Woods near the University of Victoria, by the author Living in Kamloops BC from 2016 till 2022 I was often reminded of the region’s close connections to the rest of Canada, even before “Canada” existed. The word “Kamloops” is the English translation of the Shuswap word Tk’emlúps, meaning ‘where the rivers meet,’... Continue Reading →
Mocha Muck
A new lifestyle series – From those who bring you Life in our Little Town, of Summerland It burps and it drips; it spits and it squirts. It is ubiquitous in our lives, whether in cities or small villages, locally in shops, schools, and workplaces, or on the road in the wastelands and watering holes... Continue Reading →
The opportunity is before us: Lessons from Ellie Johnson
A sermon shared with the parish of St. George, Cadboro Bay, Victoria BC on Sunday, April 28, 2024 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing . . .... Continue Reading →
The Magnitude of All Things – Thoughts on grief and the climate crisis
A presentation at St. George the Martyr, Victoria BC -- Wednesday April 24, 2024 -- Kenneth Gray The late Fran Haberlin, co-director of the Sorrento Centre always began her presentations with: “Gee it’s great to be here,” and “where do we go from here?” Well it is great to be here and thanks for coming... Continue Reading →