The quiet work that keeps people fed

Yesterday around 4 PM, I headed out for a short walk to Fresh Street Market, my local grocery store. It was one of those ordinary errands — the kind you don’t expect to turn into anything memorable.

On my way there, I noticed a small group of people standing and talking on the sidewalk. Nothing unusual, just neighbours chatting, though there was quite a bit of “stuff” scattered around them. Rather than weave through, I took the staircase beside the sidewalk and carried on.

I didn’t think much of it.

But on my way back, the scene came into focus.

The van was still there, its back hatch wide open. Two women were sitting on the edge, chatting and smiling as people came and went. As I walked past, one of them called out kindly, “Do you need any food?”

I had just picked up what I needed from Fresh Street, so I said, “No, thank you.” But then I glanced inside the van — and that’s when everything clicked.

It was full of food. Good food. Marked‑down items that grocery stores can’t sell once they pass their “best before” date. Perfectly edible, perfectly useful, and too often destined for the dump.

So I asked the question that immediately came to mind: “Did this come from Brad?”

They smiled. “Yes!”

My nephew Brad, along with the Queen Elizabeth Lions Club, spends countless hours collecting food that would otherwise be thrown away. The food bank won’t take it because of the dates — even though “best before” doesn’t mean “bad after.” So these volunteers step in.

They drive to local grocery stores, load up their trucks, and take the food directly into the community.

Churches. Parking lots. Food cupboards around the lower mainland. Wherever people need it.

They have a huge message network: when a load comes in, volunteers are called, and within hours the food is out where it belongs — in people’s kitchens, not in landfills.

I recognized one of the women in the blue top; I’d met her before. She and her partner were planning to stay another 30 minutes in the Fresh Street parking lot before moving on to another location. Everything was free. No questions. No judgment. Just take what you need.

When I first passed by earlier, people were already going through the van, choosing groceries for their families. Working people. Seniors. Anyone who needed a little help.

Brad always says, “Working people are poor.” And he’s right. Seniors on fixed incomes can’t always afford fresh, healthy food. Families with two jobs still struggle to keep up with rising costs. And here are volunteers — unpaid, unseen, uncelebrated — making sure people can eat a proper meal.

Later, I sent a picture to Brad and his wife Maria. Maria replied almost immediately: “I got rid of an entire truck load today in Ladner!”

One truckload. One community. One day.

It’s easy to forget how many people are quietly doing good in the world. No headlines. No speeches. Just compassion in action.

Yesterday’s walk reminded me that kindness doesn’t always look grand. Sometimes it’s a van in a parking lot, a few volunteers in folding chairs, and a simple question offered with dignity:

“Do you need any food?”

Because I said so!

I read a few blogs.  Wayne Cox has a wonderful blog.  He only posts on Sunday's but this weeks blog was excellent.  We never had the same parents, but they sure thought alike:

It seems that for a certain generation, “things parents said” seems universal. I thought it was just my parents, but it turns out everyone my age was hearing the same things. Whether they were threats or warnings, they were well-meaning, I’m sure.

Let me start with one of the classics. “Because I said so.” I’m chuckling just reading it. “Because I said so” is an obvious admission that your parents couldn’t think of a good reason for whatever they had just told you to do, or the command that had been given didn’t need a reason. Either way, just do it. It has stuck in my head all these years. I’m hoping I never said that to my kids!

Or how about this one: “Close the door, were you born in a barn?” For a kid from the city, like me, I could only assume that barn doors were never closed. But the message was clear: close the door!

How about this threat: “Wait till your father gets home!” My thoughts go back to Larry Mondello on the Leave It to Beaver television show. His mother was always threatening him with that phrase. How unfair to poor old Dad. He’d worked all day, and the moment he walked in the door, he was hit with every household problem and the task of disciplining some kid who had been acting up.  

In the violence department, some of my favourites are “Don’t be swinging that around, you could take an eye out!” And “Someone is going to end up getting hurt” (or crying.) Someone was always about to break their neck! “Pick that up before somebody trips on it and breaks their neck!” And “If you don't stop crying, I'll give you something to cry about!”

In this classic, the name is interchangeable: “If Billy jumped off a bridge, would you?” The bridge could be a building, a cliff, or any other place that would result in a horrible ending. It was a rhetorical question that always gave pause for thought.

The list continues. “Don’t sit so close to the TV, you’ll go blind.”  Really? That apparently was the main cause of blindness back then. And while we’re in the optical department, how about “Eating carrots will improve your eyesight.” I never asked for medical proof on this one; I just went along with it. A number of sources point out that there is a connection between carrots and eyesight because carrots contain beta-carotene, and the body uses beta-carotene to make vitamin A, which helps the eyes connect to the brain. So there was some truth to it.

“Don’t make that face, or your face will stay like that!” Now that’s a pretty serious affliction. Was there any medical or scientific evidence to back this up? It was a pretty scary thought.

This one may have only been peculiar to my family. Whenever any of us wanted something and asked Dad for it, the answer inevitably would be, “Someday.” “Some day” was a kinder, gentler way of saying it’s never going to happen. I think it stemmed from not having much disposable income. The request was usually for a new bike or a trip somewhere, so “some day” always kept hope alive that one day, some day, it just might happen. “Some day” would come at the same time as “I guess I’ll just go pick some money off the money tree in the backyard!”

I was always told, “If you're too sick to go to school, you're too sick to play outside.” Which is in the same department as “No dessert until you finish your dinner.” I think I must have missed many desserts when I was a kid; there always seemed to be too much tuna casserole on my plate! I tried a version of that on the boys when they were young. My version was, “You can’t get down from the table and play till you’ve finished your dinner.” That backfired a little as I recall. I found out how stubborn Tyler really was. He wouldn’t finish eating his dinner, so he sat and sat and sat so long that he fell asleep! Now what? I couldn’t leave him there all night. Unknowingly, he won that round.

“Say ‘pardon me,’ not what!” That one would always elicit a smart- aleck response: “What?” I know it was just an attempt at making you more polite, but was the origin from someone who found the word “what” annoying?

Speaking of words, how about this one: “There’s no such word as can’t.” That must have been very puzzling to a young person learning the English language.

Over the years, I’ve learned many valuable lessons in life, like how I would forget my head if it wasn’t attached to my shoulders, and how would I know I didn’t like something if I hadn’t tried it. And never touch anything on the ground, because I don’t know where it’s been!

And if I can leave you with just one piece of advice this Sunday morning, it would be this: “Always wear clean underwear in case you get in an accident.”

Zara Phillips Tindall

On May 10, 2011. HM Queen Elizabeth II gave her consent to the marriage of her eldest granddaughter, Miss Zara Phillips, currently known as Mrs. Zara Tindall, to Mr. Mike Tindall.

Zara Anne Elizabeth was born in mid-May 1981 at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London as the second child and only daughter of HRH Anne, The Princess Royal and her then husband Mark Phillips.  She was christened July 1981 at Windsor Castle. Her name was suggested to her mother by her uncle, HM King Charles III thus, it is often said she is his favorite niece.

Zara attended Beaudesert Park School in Stroud, Gloucestershire, and Port Regis School in Shaftesbury, Dorset, before following other members of the royal family in attending Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland.  She later studied at the University of Exeter and qualified as a physiotherapist.  A renowned equestrian Zara qualified for the 2012 London Olympics and won a silver medal in the team event.  Her mother, Princess Anne, presented her medal.

Mike was born October 1978 at Wharfedale Hospital in Otley, West Yorkshire as the son of Philip "Phil" Tindall, a banker for Barclays, and his wife Linda (née Shepherd), a social worker.  He was educated at the private school Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield.  Mike began his career as an English rugby union player in February 2000 in the 2000 Six Nations Championship.  As well as winning the 2003 World Cup, he was a member of the England team which won the 2003 Six Nations Championship.  Tindall played in eleven Six Nations Championship competitions from 2000 to 2011.  He retired in 2014.

Zara and Mike met during the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia and on this day in 2010 their engagement was announced by Buckingham Palace.  As then-required by the Royal Marriages Act 1772, HM Queen Elizabeth II gave her consent to their marriage in a meeting of the Privy Council on this day in 2011.

The couple married in late July 2011 at the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland, with 400 guests in attendance.  The ceremony was followed by a reception hosted by HM Queen Elizabeth II at Holyrood Palace.

The marriage has produced 3 children, Mia Grace in January 2014, Lena Elizabeth in June 2018 and Lucas Philip in March 2021.  Zara frequently supports and attends events for various charitable causes, mainly revolving around spinal injuries, equestrianism, and children's charities.  Mike, in his role as Patron for the Cure Parkinson's charity, regularly takes part in fundraising events and challenges to raise money for the cause which his father lives with.  

Zara is not a working member of the Royal family however she attends family events such as weddings, funerals, Christmas Luncheon and, up until 2019, often seen on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour. Zara participated in the historic Vigil of the Grandchildren in honor of HM Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 alongside her brother, Mr. Peter Phillips, and her first cousins, HRH William, The Prince of Wales, HRH Prince Henry (Harry), The Duke of Sussex, HRH Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Mapelli Mozzi, HRH Princess Eugenie, Mrs. Brooksbank, The Hon. James Mountbatten-Windsor, Viscount Severn, currently known as The Rt. Hon. Earl of Wessex and Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor.  Most recently she attended the coronation of her uncle, HM King Charles III, in May 2023.

Zara is currently 22nd in the line of succession to the throne.

HM Queen Elizabeth II (Grandmother)

Princess Anne, The Princess Royal (Mother)

Dutton Ranch

 

Less than two years after Yellowstone rode into the sunset, the Dutton universe is already galloping ahead with fresh stories, new landscapes, and familiar faces. First came Marshalls, the Kayce‑centric procedural that expanded the franchise in a surprising direction. Now, Dutton Ranch picks up the saga of another sibling—and it wastes no time throwing fans back into the fire.

If you’ve been missing Beth’s razor‑sharp tongue, Rip’s steady grit, and the high‑stakes drama that made Yellowstone a cultural phenomenon, this new series is your next weekly obsession. Here’s everything you need to know to follow along with Season 1.

When we last saw Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) in the Yellowstone finale, they had settled into a smaller ranch in Dillon, Montana—a quieter life, at least by Dutton standards. But peace never lasts long in this universe.

At the start of Dutton Ranch, we learn that the Montana property has burned down. The family has relocated once again, this time to South Texas, where the land is vast, the rules are different, and the threats are just as relentless.

Their new challenge? An ambitious rival ranch that’s determined to push them out before they can put down roots. Beth and Rip may be far from home, but they’re still fighting like Duttons.

Finn Little returns as Carter, now older and more deeply woven into the family’s future. And the cast expands with heavy hitters: Ed Harris, Annette Bening, Juan Pablo Raba, Natalie Alyn Lind, Marc Menchaca, J. R. Villarreal, and Jai Courtney. It’s a lineup that signals big drama ahead.

The first two episodes premiered on May 15, 2026, streaming on Paramount+ and airing on the Paramount Network at 8pm ET/PT.  After that, new episodes drop weekly—one at a time, old‑school style.

Season 1 consists of nine episodes, taking us straight into early July.  We watched the first two episodes yesterday.  Beth and Rip are fantastic actors!

Cruising with your Canadian Cell Phone!

 

I've always warned everyone going on a cruise about the dangers of getting a huge cell phone bill if you use your cell phone at sea.  The US carriers have offered a cruise travel plan and now Rogers is offering one too!  I checked for someone going to Alaska. It's called Roam Like Home + Cruise Option.  

You need to go online and make sure your cruise line is on the eligible Rogers list.  Most major cruise lines are.  

Current Rogers cruise pricing (2025–2026)

Daily Roam Like Home (Cruise version):

• $18/day for International Roam Like Home + Cruise

• Includes 180+ destinations plus cruise ship coverage

• Data capped at 1GB per 24 hours, then slowed to 512 kbps

If you don't want to subscribe to this service, make sure your phone is in airplane mode and use the ship's wifi. You can use What's App or Facetime on the ships wi-fi for no extra charge. It works fine. I've used it on many cruises. If you have Starlink wi-fi you can video call!

I looked up Telus Cellular and found this:

TELUS Easy Roam does not apply while at sea on a cruise ship. When your phone connects to the ship's satellite network ("Cellular at Sea"), you will be charged premium pay-per-use rates: $7.00 per minute for voice calls, $0.75 per sent text message, and data is either blocked or billed at exorbitant per-megabyte rates.

Before you sail, call your carrier to make sure you are being offered the right plan!

Did I read that right?

 Did I read that sign right?  

"TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW

In a London department store: 

BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS..

In an office: 

WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN

In an office: 

AFTER TEA BREAK, STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD

Outside a second-hand shop: 

WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Notice in health food shop window:

CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS...

Spotted in a safari park:   
(I sure hope so.) ELEPHANTS, PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR.

Seen during a conference: 

FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR.

Notice in a farmer's field: 

THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES.

Message on a leaflet:

IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSO

On a repair shop door:

WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN'T WORK.)

2026 Canadian Census

I received my census in the mail on May 4th.  My neighbour got their Census on the same day and asked if I would do it online for them.  I did and it was the short form.  Easy Peasy!  Then I did mine.  I got the long form once again!  70 questions!  What sex were you at birth?  What sex are you now?  Then the questions got more difficult.  I enjoyed reading the "how many people live in your house" and all the choices!   I wonder if some of the people who have visitors that don't leave when their visa has expired answer honestly.  

When I got to "how much do you spend a year on electricity", my phone rang.  It was my daughter who was commuting home from work.  I told her what I was doing but I needed to do some calculations.  I said "I'll sign off now and finish later".  Then it asked for a password.  My daughter has a fabulous sense of humour.  I can't share a password, not only because it's not the smartest thing to do, but this one was not appropriate to put on my blog.  It was really funny and I don't know why I didn't think of it!  I submitted my census the day it was mailed to me.

We had lunch with friends yesterday who don't own a conputer.  They called the Census Help Line and asked for a paper questionaire to be mailed.  It hasn't arrived yet.  When he watched the news he saw if you didn't file by May 12th, you could face a fine.  He hopes they don't fine him.  

My cousin Gordon and his wife are on a 14 day Alaska cruise.  They left May 3rd and don't get back until this weekend.  I hope he doesn't get a fine.

I love reading Twitter when people complain about giving the government their information.     

Dee Lundy didn't post the inside of the form.  I bet it was interesting.

I asked AI for a reason to fill out your census and got this:

Filling out the Canadian census matters for very concrete, practical reasons — and the benefits come right back to you, your neighbourhood, and your province.

🧭 1. It directly shapes services you rely on

Census data is the backbone for planning health care, education, public transit, housing, and infrastructure. Statistics Canada officials emphasize that everything from hospital capacity to school construction to road planning depends on accurate population data.

Transit planners, for example, use census commuting data — including what time people leave for work — to design routes and reduce congestion.

🗳️ 2. It determines political representation

Population counts from the census decide the boundaries of federal and provincial ridings. Without accurate numbers, representation becomes uneven.

💰 3. It affects how billions in funding are allocated

Federal, provincial, and municipal governments use census data to distribute transfer payments and target funding where it’s actually needed. Under‑counted communities receive less money.

🏡 4. It helps communities plan for growth

Everything from neighbourhood demographics to housing needs comes from census data. Even families looking to buy a home rely on census profiles to understand a community.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 5. It’s the only complete portrait of Canada

Statistics Canada calls the census “the only source of data for the entire country.” If people don’t fill it out, the portrait is incomplete — like missing family members in a photo.

📅 6. It’s mandatory

Participation is required under the Statistics Act, and households that refuse can face fines of up to $500. All residents — citizens, permanent residents, refugee claimants, and even temporary workers or students — must complete it.

🕒 7. It takes very little time

• Short form: ~6 minutes

• Long form: ~30 minutes (randomly assigned) - if that's true why have I received it for the last three census?