With thanks to Tzeporah Berman who writes: Yes I do grieve for the carefree summers of the past.This piece by Rebecca Solnit is exactly how I have been feeling this summer as I watched in horror as the numbers of the dead due to heatwaves in Europe have climbed and feared for my son who... Continue Reading →
An image of our condominium behind an approaching helicopter captured Saturday, August 9. We live in the left unit in the building on the right, top two floors. So far, our home is safe, but I suspect very smelly and smoky. From CBC News. So much for the lazy, now hazy days of summer in... Continue Reading →
Writing today from an undisclosed location in central Ontario 90 minutes’ drive and boat ride north of Peterborough. It’s summer here at a lovely cottage thanks to a kind invitation from a new family member and her parents. I say “cottage,” having originally typed “cabin” inappropriately. There is an important distinction between the two monikers.... Continue Reading →
Original art on the Gray Family living room wall by Victoria artist Lisa Hebden 10 Quotes From Mary Oliver, the Patron Saint of Paying AttentionBy Jenna Barnett in Sojourners, Apr 14, 2025 I like to think of the late poet Mary Oliver as the patron saint of paying attention. She taught us to not take... Continue Reading →
A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, Summerland by the Very Rev. Ken Gray -- Sunday, May 17, 2026 Today I stand before you without my hearing aids. After several years of good service, my hearing aids now require some repair. Thankfully, they are still under warranty. This means a trip for them back... Continue Reading →
A SERMON for the congregation of St. Stephen, Summerland, Sunday, April 19th, 2026, the Third Sunday of Easter by the Very Rev. Ken Gray Willie Nelson said it, and sang it, best: On the road againGoin' places that I've never beenSeein' things that I may never see againI can't wait to get on the road... Continue Reading →
Images throughout this post do not relate specifically to the text of Sean Franklin's article. They simply express how I engage with and respond to the presence of trees where I live. Article by Sean Frankling in the Anglican Journal Published October 15, 2025 The pages of Scripture are rife with roots and branches. From... Continue Reading →
Call it a stroll through a forest; a walk along curvy pathways; a resting place between colourful flowerbeds. Whatever you call it, you are invited to join together for the second annual Celebration of Creation at the Summerland Ornamental Gardens on Sunday afternoon, September 14 gathering at the Gazebo at 2 p.m. It’s a great... Continue Reading →
Diana Beresford-Kroeger’s new book says nature holds the key to a healthy planetby Christopher White in Broadview Magazine -- Originally published Feb. 21, 2025 Diana Beresford-Kroeger is a botanist, biochemist, writer and mystic. Raised in Ireland, she spent her youth immersed in Celtic spirituality and the medieval Irish Brehon laws, which are communal ways of... Continue Reading →
Sometimes you have to go back to find what was always there. Such is the case with the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, a magical place Kathie and I discovered a few days ago as our June vacation in Victoria continues. For years Kathie and I lived a ten-minute drive from the Quale Road location... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 