Tag: humour

Comet Hunting

Perched above the Kootenay River. The clouds catching the coming dawn. Cassiopeia can be clearly seen above the clouds. A satellite streaks out of the frame on the left. But no comet.

Up early to try to find Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks. The skies were sufficiently dark. Unfortunately there was a thin layer of cloud at the horizon extending into the area that would contain The Andromeda Galaxy and the comet.

As I had to go to work right after looking for the comet, Willow had to stay home. Now, if I am going to work she doesn’t make a peep. Somehow she knew I was going out in the bush and she was pissed off that I left without her. So much so that she awoke Lisa to complain of my impertinent gall to leave her behind.

Willow, minutes ago, barring the door, making sure she will not be forgotten again.

Jimmy

Jim Galligan is a coworker of mine. He is very dedicated to his job and can be depended on to lend a hand when asked. He is one of the longest serving employees at the resort. He is respected and well liked by management, staff and guests.

Lately, in his spare time, he has been creating art. He paints old furniture and clock faces and makes them into one-of-a-kind folk art pieces.

His work is bright and whimsical with shapes and subjects found in nature. To look at them is to see an extraordinary mind at work, and how Jim sees the world.

Jim is a rare soul whose good nature exudes optimism and humour. His artwork displays the same qualities. They can’t help but make you smile.

Jim’s earlier work has been collected and, I am sure, his new art will find its way to loving homes.

A Quick Dip

An old walrus wallows away the day in the icy waters.

Jumped in the lake today at the Annual Polar Plunge. The event is hosted by RAD Recreation Adapted Society, with funds raised going towards purchasing fitness equipment for people who have had paralyzing injuries.

It was great to support the event and a dip in the cold water is always refreshing.

Clear

Looking down from the banks of Lake Windermere at an ice road heading to the lights of Invermere.

Finally a clear night in what has been a mild, overcast winter. Willow and I took a quick trip behind Swansea, stopping to see Mom and Dad before returning home.

The clouds start rolling in.

It was good to look up at the winter stars. I was surprised to see how far they have drifted west since the last time Willow and I were under them. Spring is inching forward.

Away from light pollution. A keen eye can spot Orion, Gemini, The Beehive and Pleiades.

Skating

Look out! Scarlett skates with her hockey stick in one hand and a snowball in the other.

There is nothing like a fine day of skating. And to enjoy it with grandchildren makes the day even more satisfying.

Cooper rests in a snow drift.
A game of keep away. The old man succumbs to the energy of youth.
Enjoying the wind and ice.
Under Swansea on the ice of Lake Windermere. Showing off our gap toothed hockey smiles!

Chilly

The Columbia River.

It has been a mild winter, excluding this past week of -30 Celsius temperatures.

Lola after falling through some thin ice on the rivers edge.

The cooler temperatures have been welcomed by Lisa and I, as they have been accompanied by clear skies.

A friend with a solar panel system that keeps track of sun light recorded only 4 hours of sunshine in December. The rest of the time was overcast. That is not unusual here in the winter.

The mountain looks to the clear, cold sky.

To see the sunshine and stars, that have moved considerably since the last time seen, has been a relief regardless of the chilly air.

Merry Christmas

Beside the river. The sun casting long shadows. Lola and Willow can be spotted, by a keen eye, at river’s edge.

Bright sunshine. I watched the sun come up from the river bottom at 9:28, and watched the sun go down at 3:39 from the woodpile. Very fine day when you get to stop and watch both.

A Very Merry Christmas to everyone.

Lola and I waving. Willow refused to get in the picture, choosing instead to dig for mice. Wishing everyone the best from the headwaters of the Columbia River.

Late November

Young Cooper who I will not be able to keep up with much longer.

It was good to put the skates on, doubley great to be joined by Cooper and Kelsie even if they didn’t have their skates. Kelsie still thinks it is unsafe. Considering there is still open water not far from shore she is probably right. Still I insist that Lake Windermere has to be skated in November.

Getting in a few strides.

It seems, every year, the skates are further down to lace up and don’t seem to go as fast as the year before, regardless the ice still feels good.

Rob

Rob Dunn, who published The Valley Peak passed away last week. He had been battling serious health issues for several years. It still came as a shock to many of his friends and acquaintances. It seemed he had been on the doorstep quite a few times and always battled back. This time, unfortunately, it was not to be.

Rob’s paper, The Valley Peak resembled a coffee newspaper that you often find in cafes. Like a coffee news The Valley Peak contained jokes and ads, however, The Peak was much more. It was usually 8 pages printed on coloured bond paper, published weekly and widely distributed up and down the valley. But what really differentiated it from any other publication was that it contained a lot of Rob.

He promoted many worthwhile causes over the years. He set up a free food bin on one of Invermere’s streets for people in need. He espoused the benefit of gardening, fishing, cannabis use and roaming the outdoors. He often expressed his love for his hounds and the joy of being a dog owner.  He and I shared a love of stargazing and that is what we often talked about, as we did when we met in the grocery store about a week before his passing.

Rob was also a self described conspiracy theorist. Since the start of Covid he dedicated part of The Peak to his thoughts on the disease, vaccinations and alternative medicine. He also tackled other subjects such as global warming, woke culture and government interference. He had plenty of followers that agreed with his stance and also many people who did not. Regardless, he always seemed to know where to draw the line as not to piss off too many people, especially advertisers that he had many of. I was always in awe of this skill. Perhaps it was because he was always good natured.

An often theme of his short column Robservations was to treat each other with respect and compassion even when we don’t feel like it or have different views. It is a good message.

It seems the Valley is losing its character and special characters. Rob certainly was a character without replacement. Lisa and I extend our condolences to his family and friends. 

Happy stargazing Rob, wishing you clear skies and good fishing.