It always smells good walking into the bakery. The first year I was up here I heard about the bakery. I was sitting out in front of Starbucks when I got into a conversation with a couple from the state of Washington. They told me they drive up to Sidney a couple times a year… Continue reading Sidney Bakery

It seems I am being taunted by the Little Town by the Sea. Everything was so perfect today. The band stand show topped it off. Edie Daponte, a Sidney local singer that I love...she put on a dynamite show. Her upbeat spirit represents all I feel about the people and character of the town. So… Continue reading Sidney You are Hard to Leave

The last 3 summers I have enjoyed attending the United Church here in Sidney. It is the closest to how I was raised ...Methodist and my grandparents were Presbyterian. In Canada the two joined together and formed the United Church. The women pastor is a character and one I have thoroughly enjoyed. This summer she… Continue reading Connected to Me

Why is it that as your mind reviews the day you can see what happened more clearly. I just realized I made a big mistake when I tried to help two really old ladies. I found them standing at the door out of the pier hotel. They were both standing with their walkers and trying… Continue reading In the Middle of the Night

That is often the answer as to how to get medical service in Canada. I have heard that suggestion many times as I wander around Canada regarding how to get seen for medical issues. Well I know in the US that is also a strategy but not a good one. What about real emergencies? The… Continue reading Go to the Emergency

Cousin Jim and I took the ferry to Salt Spring Island. Truthfully my favorite Gulf island. Today is the Street Market. It is the best ... you must make everything you sell by hand to participate. And you must live on the Island. There is nothing like it ... you can feel the creativity and… Continue reading Salt Spring Island and Raffi

We found the lavender farmer, Alan, sitting on a bench along the Harbor with his 13 month old puppy. A Newfoundland dog. He told us that this breed is the only breed of dog originating in Canada. Apparently a combination of a labrador and a pyrenees. They are big and lovable...they are water rescue dogs.It… Continue reading Newfoundland Dogs

Those wonderful big kitchens with a center island always drew the party ... hanging out chatting, laughing and munching. Sitting in the living room never worked 'cause everyone was in the kitchen. I still think when I see these homes with gorgeous kitchens. ..."This house is built for entertaining." Well apparently the trend is moving… Continue reading Remember Parties in the Kitchen

There is a huge difference in attitude between Americans and Canadians and their finances. Something amazing just happened. How could it be? Chase Bank the huge US Bank decided to stop participating in the Canadian Credit Card business. Today I read that they cancelled all the debt for all Canadians that they currently owe on… Continue reading Canadians Responsible about their Finances

I come on home and what do I find? Couldn't be more Canadian then Dad playing hockey in the street with his almost two year old twins and their older brother and the older neighborhood sports fan joining in. One twin splits for the water hose to cool down. Then back comes Mom with a… Continue reading Summer Evening in the Cul de sac