A beautiful tribute

I saw something I'd only ever seen on a tv show.

I saw a picture of two firetrucks and a bunch of Firefighters on the overpass.  Ladders up with a big Canadian flag hung between them. Lights on and Firefighters standing on top of the trucks.

There were random cop cars pulled off to the side waiting.

I had no idea until tonight why though.  I know they do it for fallen comrades but I didn't hear of any Firefighters dying recently.

So I Googled it.

The body of one of four of the fallen Canadian Armed Forces members who died in a fire at CFB Wainwright was escorted through Calgary.

Calgary Police Service members, along with Calgary firefighters, RCMP and local military acknowledged the motorcade that carried the body of Pte. Aidan Goulding from the medical examiner’s office to a local funeral home.

Thank you for your service may you rest in peace. 🕊️

Halloween, Chocolate Bars, and a Lesson in Manners

 

Last night, we were invited to our daughter's home for dinner and an evening of Halloween fun in her neighbourhood.  It was a real treat for us.

She lives in a family-oriented subdivision filled with young families, while we live in a gated community where trick-or-treaters never come to the door.  Every year, we miss seeing the excitement on children's faces, so it was nice to be part of it again.

My daughter prepared a wonderful dinner while my son-in-law took charge of answering the door.  The first trick-or-treater arrived shortly after 5 p.m.  When the door opened, the child looked up and announced, "Give me some candy."

The parents were standing on the sidewalk and didn't hear the comment.  It was a memorable start to the evening.

Their family is known for handing out full-size chocolate bars, a tradition that makes their house quite popular.  Before long, my granddaughter, who is a university student, dressed in costume and took over candy duty.  She loves greeting the children and seeing their costumes.

From my seat nearby, I had the perfect view of the parade of superheroes, princesses, ghosts, and creatures making their way from door to door.  As the evening went on, I couldn't help but notice something interesting.

Only about 30 percent of the children remembered to say "thank you."

That may sound disappointing, but I chose to look at it another way.  It was encouraging to see that many children are still being taught the importance of good manners.  A simple "thank you" costs nothing, yet it can brighten someone's day.

One of my favourite moments came later in the evening when a Surrey police car pulled up in front of the house.  The officer sat there for several minutes working on his computer. Curious, I grabbed a full-size Mars Bar and walked it out to him.

I said, "thank you for all you do".  He looked surprised, smiled, accepted the chocolate bar, and said, "Thank you."

A small gesture, but it reminded me that courtesy works both ways.

The officer wasn't there for long.  He soon headed off to wherever he was needed next.  It made me think about the people who work while the rest of us are celebrating.  Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel spend nights like Halloween keeping our communities safe, often missing time with their own families.

They deserve a huge thank you.

The weather cooperated beautifully.  It was cool and clear, perfect for trick-or-treating.  As darkness settled in, fireworks began lighting up the sky.  Fireworks require permits and are otherwise prohibited, but judging by the spectacular display coming from the park beside my daughter's home, you wouldn't have known it.

As we drove home later that evening, I found myself reflecting on the night.  Halloween is about costumes, candy, and community, but it's also a reminder that simple acts of kindness still matter.  Whether it's a child saying thank you, a family opening their door to hundreds of visitors, or an officer accepting a chocolate bar with a smile, those small moments are often what make the evening memorable.

And in the end, those are the treats I remember most.

Just some of the illegal fireworks that went on until late in the evening:

Al Quiring: The Man Behind the Tow Truck

 

Al Quiring is one of those local legends whose work speaks for itself. While many people know him from television, those who have met him on the side of the road know him as someone who shows up when help is needed most.

If you've ever driven British Columbia's mountain highways, you know how quickly conditions can change. Snow, ice, rockslides, and accidents can leave motorists stranded in some of the most challenging places imaginable. For decades, Al Quiring has been one of the people answering those calls for help.

Many Canadians were introduced to Al through the hit television series Highway Thru Hell, which follows the demanding and often dangerous work of heavy rescue towing in B.C.'s Interior. Viewers watched as Al and his team took on seemingly impossible recoveries, pulling transport trucks from ditches, rescuing stranded motorists, and reopening vital transportation routes.

But television fame only tells part of the story.

To many people throughout British Columbia, Al is simply a local guy who has spent years helping others when they needed it most. Whether it's a family stranded during a snowstorm, a truck driver stuck on a remote highway, or a motorist facing an unexpected emergency, Al has built a reputation for being there when the situation looks hopeless.

What makes his story resonate with so many people is that it isn't about celebrity. It's about service. Tow truck operators rarely receive recognition for the work they do, yet they are often the first to arrive when someone is scared, stranded, or in danger. Al Quiring helped shine a light on that profession and showed viewers the skill, dedication, and courage required behind the wheel of a recovery truck.

His success on television brought him fame, but his commitment to helping people is what earned him respect.

A journalist visiting Quiring Towing described Al preparing to visit the widow of another heavy-recovery operator — a man who had repeatedly left birthdays, holiday dinners and family gatherings to help Al with difficult jobs. Al said he wished he could somehow give her back all of that lost time with her husband.

And suddenly, Al’s story looks different.

Because towing is a profession built around recovery. Trucks can be recovered. Loads can be recovered. Highways can reopen.

Time cannot.

That may help explain why one of the most revealing Al Quiring moments came decades later with the next generation beside him.

The Quiring business has now reached its fourth generation, and in a 2026 episode Al spoke about trying to pass what he inherited from his late father on to his own son. Watching them work together, he said:

“Working with family, you can’t put a price on that.”

Then came an even simpler line:

“That’s what I live for.”

Years earlier, Highway Thru Hell had already shown three generations — Al, his father Bob and his son Cary — working the same recovery together. Now Bob is gone, and Al is becoming the link between what the Quirings built before him and whatever comes after him.

That may be the most interesting change in Al Quiring.

A younger Al built his reputation by knowing exactly when to take control.

The older Al seems increasingly aware that legacy eventually requires the opposite — knowing when to let the next person take some of it.

And after a lifetime spent recovering enormous machines from impossible places, perhaps Al has learned that the most valuable thing isn’t what you manage to pull back.

It’s recognizing what you still have before time takes it away.

In a world where headlines often focus on negativity, Al Quiring's story is a reminder that everyday heroes are all around us. Sometimes they don't wear capes. Sometimes they drive a tow truck and answer the phone when someone needs a hand.

The Dream That Never Sailed: Whatever Happened to the "Cruise for Life" Promise?

A few years ago, while travelling, we met a couple who had taken a leap most of us only dream about.  They had sold their house, downsized their lives, and were preparing to spend their retirement sailing around the world on one of the new "cruise for life" programs.

To them, it sounded perfect.

No property taxes.  No lawn to mow.  No winter weather.  Just a cabin overlooking the ocean and endless new destinations.  They spoke of waking up in a different country every few days and spending their remaining years exploring the world from the comfort of a floating home.

At the time, I thought they were incredibly brave.  The couple told us the name of the ship they were going on, but I don't remember it.  I often wonder what happened to them.

Then a cruise line collapsed.  I don't know if that was the ship they invested in.

The Cruise That Captured Headlines

The program was most likely Life at Sea Cruises, a company that launched an ambitious three-year residential world cruise.  The concept attracted people from around the globe, including retirees, remote workers, and adventurers looking to exchange life on land for life at sea.  Some passengers reportedly sold their homes, stored or sold their belongings, and made permanent lifestyle changes in preparation for departure. 

The itinerary was extraordinary.  The voyage promised visits to hundreds of ports in more than 100 countries over three years.  For many, it wasn't simply a vacation. It was a new way of life. 

But there was one major problem.

The company never secured the ship it needed.

How Did It All Go Wrong?

According to reports, Life at Sea Cruises struggled to acquire the vessel that would operate the voyage.  The company planned to purchase a ship but ultimately failed to complete the deal. Investor support reportedly weakened, funding became uncertain, departure dates were repeatedly delayed, and eventually the entire project was cancelled. 

Passengers were left shocked.

Some had already travelled to Europe to begin the journey.  Others had rented out or sold their homes.  Many were waiting for refunds while trying to rebuild plans they believed were already settled. In July 2024, the company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy after the cruise never launched. 

A Lesson About Dreams and Risk

Cruising is often marketed as carefree travel, but residential cruising is something very different.

When someone buys a two-week cruise and a company fails, the disappointment is significant.  When someone sells their house, cashes out investments, and reshapes their entire future around a promise of life at sea, the consequences can be life-changing.

The couple we met embodied that dream.  They weren't looking for luxury.  They were looking for freedom. The cruise represented a chance to simplify life and focus on experiences rather than possessions.

Unfortunately, when the company failed, it showed just how vulnerable people can be when a business model looks exciting but hasn't yet proven itself.

And, then I hear about this World Cruise:

This world cruise ship disembarked all their passengers in Cambodia as they couldn't afford the fuel!

I went online and searched world cruises and found this:

There is currently only one active residential cruise line in the world where you can buy a cabin and live on the ship full-time: The World (operated by ResidenSea). 

https://aboardtheworld.com/

Halloween Spirit Lights Up Neighbourhoods

One of my favourite things about Halloween is seeing how creative people can be with their decorating.  My daughter is one of those people who goes all out every year, transforming her yard into a spooky and festive display.  She’s not alone either.  Several of her neighbours in Cloverdale join in, making their street a fun destination for local families during the Halloween season.

Recently, I came across some photos on Facebook that showcased another incredible display of community spirit.  In a neighbourhood in Langley, every home along one street had embraced Halloween, decorating their yards with everything from glowing pumpkins and skeletons to elaborate haunted house scenes.

What makes these neighbourhoods special is not just the decorations themselves, but the sense of community they create.  Families come together, neighbours share ideas, and children are treated to a memorable experience long before they knock on a single door for candy.

In a world that often feels rushed, it’s heartwarming to see streets come alive with creativity, laughter, and a little spooky fun.  Whether it’s in Cloverdale, Langley, or any other community, Halloween decorating reminds us how much joy can be found when neighbours come together to celebrate.

 

John McCrae

 

Born in Guelph, Ontario, on 30 November 1872, John McCrae was the second son of Lieutenant-Colonel David McCrae and Janet Simpson Eckford McCrae.  He had a sister, Geills, and a brother, Tom.

The family were Scottish Presbyterians and John McCrae was a man of high principles and strong spiritual values.  He has been described as warm and sensitive with a remarkable compassion for both people and animals.

John McCrae began writing poetry while a student at the Guelph Collegiate Institute.  As a young boy, he was also interested in the military.  He joined the Highland Cadet Corps at 14 and at 17 enlisted in the Militia field battery commanded by his father.

John McCrae graduated from Guelph Collegiate at 16 and was the first Guelph student to win a scholarship to the University of Toronto.  After attending university for three years, however, he was forced to take a year off due to severe asthma. This illness recurred throughout his life.  While training as a doctor, he was also perfecting his skills as a poet. At university, he had 16 poems and several short stories published in a variety of magazines, including Saturday Night.

He also continued his connection with the military, becoming a gunner with the Number 2 Battery in Guelph in 1890, Quarter-Master Sergeant in 1891, Second Lieutenant in 1893 and Lieutenant in 1896.  At university, he was a member of the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada of which he became company captain.

In 1898, John McCrae received a Bachelor of Medicine degree and the gold medal from the University of Toronto medical school.  He worked as resident house officer at Toronto General Hospital from 1898 to 1899.

In 1899, he went to Baltimore and interned at the Johns Hopkins Hospital where his brother Thomas had worked as assistant resident since 1895.  There, both John and Thomas McCrae became close associates of Dr. William Osler, the pre-eminent medical educator of his time.

On August 4, 1914, Britain declared war on Germany.  Canada, as a member of the British Empire, was automatically at war, and its citizens from all across the land responded quickly. Within three weeks, 45,000 Canadians had rushed to join up.  John McCrae was among them.  He was appointed a medical officer with the First Brigade of the Canadian Field Artillery with the rank of Major and second-in-command.

In April 1915, John McCrae was in the trenches near Ypres, Belgium, in the area traditionally called Flanders.  Some of the heaviest fighting of the First World War took place there during what was known as the Second Battle of Ypres.

On April 22, the Germans used deadly chlorine gas against Allied troops in a desperate attempt to break the stalemate.  Despite the debilitating effects of the gas, Canadian soldiers fought relentlessly and held the line for another 16 days.

In the trenches, John McCrae tended hundreds of wounded soldiers every day.  He was surrounded by the dead and the dying.  In a letter to his mother, he wrote of the Battle of Ypres.

The day before he wrote his famous poem, one of McCrae's closest friends - Lieutenant Alexis Helmer - was killed in the fighting and buried in a makeshift grave with a simple wooden cross.  Wild poppies were already beginning to bloom between the crosses marking the many graves.  Unable to help his friend or any of the others who had died, John McCrae gave them a voice through his poem.  It was the second last poem he was to write.

During the summer of 1917, John McCrae was troubled by severe asthma attacks and occasional bouts of bronchitis. He became very ill in January 1918 and diagnosed his condition as pneumonia.  He was moved to Number 14 British General Hospital for Officers where he continued to grow weak.

On January 28, after an illness of five days, he died of pneumonia and meningitis.  The day he fell ill, he learned he had been appointed consulting physician to the First British Army, the first Canadian so honoured.

John McCrae was buried with full miltary honours in Wimereux Cemetary just north of Boulogne, not far from the fields of Flanders.

The wearing of the red poppy

Yesterday, I started wearing my poppy.  I understand it started October 24th, so I was a little  late.  Canadians typically wear the poppy during the remembrance period leading up to Remembrance Day on November 11, placing it on the left side near the heart.  Each year, the Royal Canadian Legion distributes millions of poppies across the country.  Donations collected through the campaign support veterans, serving military members, and their families. 

The poppy became associated with remembrance because of the battlefields of Flanders in Belgium during the First World War.  Intense artillery bombardments churned the soil, allowing dormant poppy seeds to flourish among soldiers' graves and across devastated battlefields.  The Canadian poppy campaign celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021, marking a century since the poppy was first adopted as Canada's symbol of remembrance. 

The flower gained worldwide recognition through the poem "In Flanders Fields", written in 1915 by Canadian physician and soldier John McCrae after the death of a friend in battle.  Today, when Canadians wear a poppy, they are continuing a tradition that traces from the battlefields of Europe, through John McCrae's famous poem, to more than a century of remembrance across Canada.