Lest We Forget: Honouring Canada's Veterans

This crosswalk was painted outside the Royal Canadian Legion #240 Crescent Beach, B.C.

Every year on November 11, Canadians pause to remember the brave men and women who served our country in times of war, military conflict, and peacekeeping missions.  Remembrance Day is more than a holiday or a ceremony.  It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.

From the muddy trenches of the First World War to the beaches of Normandy, the hills of Korea, the mountains of Afghanistan, and countless peacekeeping missions around the world, Canadian service members have answered the call of duty with courage and determination.  Many never returned home, while others carried the physical and emotional scars of war for the rest of their lives.

The red poppy has become a powerful symbol of remembrance.  Wearing it reminds us that freedom comes at a cost and that we have a responsibility to honour those who paid that price.  For many families, Remembrance Day is personal, as they remember parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends who served.

As the clock approaches 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians observe two minutes of silence.  The two minute silence serves a dual purpose:  the first minute is dedicated to remembering and honouring those who died in service, while the second minute is a trubute to those who survived and returned home with the physical and psychological scars of war.

This Remembrance Day, take a moment to attend a local ceremony, visit a cenotaph, listen to a veteran's story, or simply pause in quiet reflection.  Their courage helped shape the Canada we know today.

We will remember them. Lest we forget. 🍁🌺

The Remarkable and Controversial Story of Eddy Haymour

 

Few people have left a bigger mark on Okanagan folklore than Eddy Haymour.  Depending on who you ask, he was either a visionary entrepreneur, a stubborn dreamer, or one of British Columbia's most controversial characters.  Whatever your opinion, his story is unforgettable. 

Born in Lebanon and later settling in Canada, Eddy Haymour purchased Rattlesnake Island in Okanagan Lake in the early 1970s.  His ambitious dream was to transform the island into a Middle Eastern-themed tourist attraction complete with a giant camel, miniature pyramids, restaurants, rides, and other attractions that would celebrate his heritage and attract visitors from across the province. 

What followed was a years-long battle with government officials, regulators, and local opposition.  Haymour believed he was being treated unfairly and fought relentlessly to keep his dream alive.  The dispute eventually escalated into court proceedings, and years later a judge ruled that government actions against him had been highly improper, awarding him damages. 

The most dramatic chapter of his life came in 1976 when, frustrated and desperate, Haymour became involved in a hostage-taking incident at the Canadian Embassy in Beirut.  The event made international headlines and forever cemented his reputation as one of the country's most unusual and polarizing figures. 

Despite setbacks, Eddy Haymour never gave up on his vision.  He later built the distinctive Peachland Castle overlooking Okanagan Lake, another reminder of his larger-than-life personality and determination. 

Haymour passed away in November 2026 at the age of 96.  He leaves behind a legacy filled with ambition, controversy, resilience, and a story that continues to fascinate people throughout the Okanagan and beyond.  The remains of his island project can still be found on Rattlesnake Island, standing as a monument to a dream that was never fully realized but never forgotten. 

Sometimes history is made not by those who succeed, but by those who refuse to stop dreaming. Eddy Haymour was undoubtedly one of those people. 

Missed my blog yesterday; Twenty-Nine Hours Without Power

It's now been 25 hours since our power went out.

Like many people in our area, we knew the storm was going to be a rough one.  The wind howled through the night, and I found myself doing what I always do during a major storm: staring out at the large trees in our backyard and hoping they stayed upright.  Thankfully, none of them came down on our house, and for that I am very grateful.

Not everyone was so fortunate.  We learned that someone lost their life not far from our home when a tree fell on their vehicle.  It's a heartbreaking reminder of just how dangerous these storms can be.

The BC Hydro website originally estimated our power would be restored three hours ago.  Unfortunately, we are still sitting in the dark.  Without power or internet, we've been somewhat disconnected from the outside world.  Ironically, even our cell service has been unreliable.  My phone keeps dropping its 5G signal, and I assumed it was a problem with Rogers.  However, our neighbour, who uses Freedom Mobile, has been experiencing exactly the same thing.

We met some old friends, along with a few of their friends, for lunch at a lovely pub in Maple Ridge.  What was supposed to be a casual lunch turned into a long and enjoyable visit filled with laughter and good conversation.  There's something comforting about spending time with friends when life feels a little chaotic.

When 6 p.m. arrived and our power still hadn't returned, our neighbours suggested we head out for dinner.  Off we went to White Spot.  There we discovered that we weren't the only ones having communication issues.  The restaurant's payment terminals were acting up, confirming that the cellular network throughout our neighbourhood was still struggling.

The silver lining in all of this is family.  Our daughter lives nearby and has kindly opened her home to us while we wait for our lights to come back on.  Having a warm place to stay, a hot cup of coffee, and a comfortable chair makes a power outage a lot easier to tolerate.

Storms have a way of reminding us what's important.  Electricity is certainly nice, but good neighbours, good friends, and family are even better.  Hopefully, by the time you read this, our power will be back on.  If not, you'll know where to find us: at our daughter's house, waiting patiently for the lights to come back on.

For anyone living in BC, BC Hydro has an app.  If you install the app on your phone, log in with your BC Hydro log in information, the site is much faster to find outage information.  It has your address and with one click on "outages", you will get updated information.  It's so much easier than going on their website.  Best to install the app BEFORE an outage!

Why The Repair Shop Has Become One of My Favourite Shows

 

In a world filled with reality competitions, crime dramas, and endless news cycles, it's refreshing to find a television series that celebrates something simple: preserving memories.  That's exactly what The Repair Shop does, and it's become one of my favourite programs.

Originally produced by the British company Ricochet, The Repair Shop first aired on BBC Two before moving to BBC One due to its growing popularity.  The series brings together a team of highly skilled craftspeople who repair and restore treasured family heirlooms.  These aren't just old objects.  They are pieces of family history, carrying stories, memories, and emotional connections that often span generations.

The concept is wonderfully simple.  Owners bring in a cherished item that has been damaged, worn by time, or simply stopped working.  Whether it's a grandfather clock, a teddy bear, a sewing machine, a piece of furniture, or a beloved toy, the team carefully restores it while preserving its history and character.  Sometimes a single item requires multiple experts.  A clock, for example, might need the expertise of clock restorer Steve Fletcher while furniture specialist Will Kirk repairs the wooden case.

What makes the show so special isn't really the restoration itself.  It's the stories behind the objects.  Viewers hear about family members who served in wars, parents and grandparents who have passed away, and treasured memories that might otherwise be lost.  When owners see their restored possessions for the first time, the emotional reactions are often enough to bring tears to your eyes.

For many years, furniture restorer Jay Blades served as the workshop foreman, helping guide viewers through the stories and repairs.  Since 2024, familiar experts Will Kirk and Dominic Chinea have shared the role as co-foremen, continuing the warm and welcoming atmosphere that fans love.

Canadians can watch The Repair Shop on Makeful Television, making it easy to discover the series without searching far and wide.  Even better, for those looking to binge-watch, over 250 episodes are available on YouTube, providing hours of fascinating restorations and heartwarming stories.

At its heart, The Repair Shop reminds us that objects are often more than possessions.  They become symbols of the people we love, the experiences we've shared, and the memories we never want to lose.  In a disposable world, it's comforting to watch a show that values craftsmanship, history, and sentimentality.

If you've never seen it, I highly recommend giving it a try. You may come for the repairs, but you'll stay for the stories.  They are a gentle reminder that sometimes the most valuable things in life can't be replaced, but they can be lovingly restored.

A horrific incident

 

A Canadian Cadet Leader's Life Changed in an Instant

I can't believe this happened in Canada.  

As Canadians pause each November to remember the sacrifices of our veterans, a shocking incident in Hamilton, Ontario has left many people saddened and angry.

Captain Kenneth Kunkel, a 59-year-old member of the Canadian Armed Forces and longtime Air Cadet leader, was supervising young cadets collecting donations for Remembrance Day poppies when an altercation turned violent.  What began as a confrontation involving youths reportedly escalated into an assault that left Kunkel with life-altering injuries. 

According to his family, Kunkel underwent emergency spinal surgery and is now unable to walk for the foreseeable future. His recovery remains uncertain. 

What makes this story especially heartbreaking is that Kunkel has spent nearly two decades helping young Canadians through the cadet program.  Friends and family describe him as a dedicated mentor who inspired many cadets to pursue careers in the military, police services, and community leadership. 

As Remembrance Day approaches, this tragedy serves as a reminder that the values our veterans fought for, respect, service, and community, still matter today. Many Canadians are hoping Captain Kunkel's strength, determination, and the support of those around him will help him through the difficult journey ahead. 

Our thoughts are with Captain Kunkel, his family, and the young cadets who witnessed an event that no volunteer serving their community should ever have to experience.

Why Doesn't Canadian Butter Spread Like It Used To?

There was a time when pulling butter out of the fridge was no big deal.  A quick swipe across a piece of toast and breakfast was underway.  Then many Canadians started noticing something strange.  Their butter had become harder, even after sitting at room temperature for a while.  Suddenly spreading butter felt more like carving a block of cheese.

So what happened?

The great Canadian butter mystery first made headlines in 2021 when consumers began sharing their frustrations on social media.  Home bakers, chefs, and ordinary families all seemed to notice the same thing.  Butter was firmer than they remembered.

The finger was quickly pointed at dairy farmers and a supplement called palm fat, which is sometimes added to the diets of dairy cows.  Palm fat can help cows meet their energy needs and maintain milk production, particularly during the winter months.  Some experts suggested that changes in cow feed could slightly alter the composition of milk fat, making butter firmer.

However, the issue turned out to be more complicated than a single ingredient.

Researchers found that while feed can influence the fatty acid profile of milk, factors such as seasonal changes, genetics, processing methods, refrigeration temperatures, and consumer expectations also play a role.  In other words, there was no simple answer to why your toast was suddenly fighting back.

The dairy industry responded by launching studies and reviewing feeding practices.  Farmers emphasized that Canadian butter remained safe, high quality, and produced under strict regulations.  Nevertheless, the controversy highlighted how little most of us know about the journey from farm to fridge.

Another factor may be modern refrigeration.  Newer refrigerators often run colder and more consistently than older models. Butter stored at 2°C or 3°C will be significantly harder than butter stored at 5°C or 6°C. Small temperature changes can make a surprisingly big difference when it's time to butter your morning toast.  I had the same fridge for 15 years so I don't buy this argument.

For those of us who simply want spreadable butter, the solution may be easier than solving an agricultural mystery.  A butter dish on the counter, a dedicated butter keeper, or simply taking butter out of the fridge 15 to 20 minutes before using it can help.  They say this but it doesn't work for me.  My Canadian butter is hard even if I leave it out overnight!

The butter debate may never completely disappear.  Like many topics involving food, farming, and consumer habits, opinions vary.  But one thing is certain: few things unite Canadians quite like a discussion about hockey, the weather, and why their butter suddenly became so difficult to spread.

And if you've ever torn a hole in a perfectly good piece of toast while trying to spread cold butter, you're certainly not alone.

I came across this video.  If you are interested, it's a good segment about Canadian butter:  

I wrote a blog on this September 14, 2024 about butter.  There is a huge difference in Canadian and American butter.  I have not gone to the US since the President started calling us the 51st state.  I've purchased all my grocery in Canada.  

My next door neighbour who was born in the US but has lived in Canada for over 50 years, gave me 3 pounds of US butter after a quick stop at her favorite US quilt shop.  She said it was a "super butter sale"!  It's packaged in 1/4 pound blocks, just like the Kirkland US butter I bought before at Costco in Bellingham.  I will update this blog if I see a difference in spreading it.  In 2024 butter from the US still spread much better than the Canadian butter I was forced to buy when the US/Canada border was closed during COVID.  

I already love the individually wrapped quarters and thank her very much.  I just put the US butter in my butter dish!

More Scam alerts!

It’s easy to ignore the calls that never leave a message. What’s harder to ignore is when those same callers hide behind the names of charities, community events, or causes that people genuinely care about.

When the Phone Rings

My phone rings constantly, but these days I never answer unless the number is in my address book.  If it’s important, they’ll leave a message.  Most of these mystery callers never do, which tells me everything I need to know.

In a way, I consider that a small victory.  I don't have to sit through a sales pitch, listen to a questionable investment opportunity, or hear about the latest "limited-time offer" that somehow expires the moment I hang up.  The silence of an empty voicemail says more than the caller ever could.

What really bothers me isn't the sales calls.  It's when callers claim to represent a charity, fundraiser, or popular event that people genuinely support.

Most of us want to help worthy causes.  We donate to organizations that support children, veterans, health care research, animals, and countless other important programs.  We buy tickets to community events because they bring people together and support local groups. When someone uses those causes as a marketing tool, or worse, as a scam, it erodes trust.

The unfortunate reality is that every questionable phone call makes people a little more skeptical. They become less likely to answer, less likely to donate, and less likely to support organizations doing good work.  The real victims are often the legitimate charities and events that rely on public goodwill.

These days my rule is simple: if I don't recognize the number, I let it go to voicemail.  Genuine organizations can leave a message, send a letter, or direct me to their official website.  The people who don't leave a message are usually telling me all I need to know.

So my phone will probably keep ringing.  I'll probably keep ignoring most of those calls.  And honestly, I'm perfectly happy with that.  The people who truly need to reach me know how to leave a message.

This just showed up on social media: