November 11, 1999 It is almost 11:00 AM here in British Columbia. It is at this time that all Canadians bow their heads and take two minutes to remember our fallen soldiers, and the men and women that fought for the freedom we now enjoy. Today is Remembrance Day. We have been wearing poppies for a week now, to commemorate this era which took the lives of so many young. The poppies symbolize Flander's Field where so many of our own now lie or are memorialized. Such a tragic price to pay for a free nation. We, the children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren of these brave and heroic people can never hope to know what they endured for our future. We can not imagine the horror, the fear, the brutality. We honour you all, and we remember you on this blustery November day, and we promise to live in your spirit and cherish our freedom and to protect what you so selflessly gave to us all. And at this moment in history, we know that we no longer must fight. War, we pray, is only for memories. Lest we forget.

It seems as though American's have trouble accepting instruction. Perhaps this is an inherent need to thwart authority, or maybe it's just the yankee way. I speak, of course, with reference to yesterday's skill-testing, time-limited question that needed to be answered prior to the awarding of prize money. There were two individuals in the running for the prize money. In fact, both could have been awarded their own prize. The panel of judges is locked in a dead-heat regarding the acceptance or denial of the two answers received. As I mentioned yesterday, in the event of a tie, I would cast the deciding vote. I have elected to pass this vote on to you, the hapless reader of this seemingly unending contest. I ask that you, the reader, review the question found here and then read the following two responses. The panel of judges is torn as to whether it would be prudent to accept an answer that was NOT included in the list of options. From Ohio: the fly has NOTHING to fear! if the frog has a 6" tongue that can be propelled from its mouth at 25" per second, it is clear that one second after the frog has taken aim and made a tonguey grab for the fly, its tongue will be no less than 19" from its head! this headless tongue, realizing its sudden independence, will fall to the ground and go on to live its own fly-free life while the fly - bless its heart - will embark on a career in education by laying its eggs in someone's school lunch. (that'll teach 'em not to use an inferior quality brown bag!) From California: Well, the fly must travel towards the frog for 10 feet minus the length of the frog's extended tongue. That's 120 - 6 = 114 inches. The fly speeds along at 4 miles/hour or 70.4 inches/second, so the fly will take 114/70.4 = 1.62 seconds to reach the end of the frog's extended tongue, assuming the frog has acceptable reflexes and good judgement or just has his tongue hanging out there waiting. I can't vouch for how good the fly will taste, however ;) submit your vote here. Moving on. I am delighted to tell you that I've finally made contact! It took some doing, but I finally heard from Terry, a loyal and, until now, silent reader. Terry has made a request. Now, I'm not one to satisfy requests at every beck and call, however Terry has spent some serious time reading this journal, and as such, I feel I owe him at least a bit of courtesy in return. Therefore, without further delay,*drum roll*.....I present .......me. Tada.

This picture was taken by Koko at Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC this summer. Note the lovely Vancouver summer weather! Note to Terry: does this answer your horse question? :)

I started Christmas shopping yesterday. Wednesday, right?? Can someone explain to me just WHO is working?? I swear that every single person in Kelowna was in the stores yesterday! 2:00 on a Wednesday afternoon should be a nice, quiet time to shop, n'est pas?? Well, apparently not. I believe it's time to seriously consider a boycot. And I'll let you in on another little tidbit...I'll be flying home (Vancouver) for Christmas this year. Pausie tells me we have a minimum of 30 dinner guests, perhaps as many as 40. Pausie lives in a townhouse. Pausie can seat 7 comfortably in his living room. Pausie is a maniac! Oh, and sister will not be there to help cook, oh no, she's going to be lallydagging about her inlaws place. Without having to lift so much as a carving knife. Nice work, sister of mine, room for a tag along?? Actually, it will be okay. We can stack people into the garage, on the stairs, in the basement, out on the veranda (umbrellas and parkas supplied). It'll be fun. I have a humungeous family. Aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, second cousins once removed. And they come from all over tarnation too. This year, we will be hosting relatives from Toronto, Seattle, Los Altos and New Zealand. Not to mention the northerner from Whitehorse. Impressed that I am related to so many people around the world?? Yeah...me too! :)Now I just have to remember all their names.....

On my way out today, I would like to make a recommendation. Actually, I would like to make two recommendations, if I may be so bold. First, please take a moment to thank the men and women of days past for the freedom and peace we take for granted each day of our lives. Second, please take another moment and read a lovely entry by Dan And I would like to take a moment and pass along a giant hug to my dear friend Shaunie. The sun will shine upon you again soon, my friend, I promise. Home Back Ahead