The Root of it All

Yes, Hallowe’en and Remembrance Day have come and gone, and we are “officially” into the Christmas season. Of course, it’s been sneaking up on us for several weeks, now.

Why Remember? Remembrance Day is Friday 11 November 2011. Throughout the year debates rage as to the validity of military action around the world, and Canada’s involvement in these conflicts.

By now, despite persistent grumbling from a handful of committed smokers, most people have accepted that smoking in public areas has become socially unacceptable.

Well, today is Hallowe’en ! (Or, for those who prefer the simpler, devolved spelling, Halloween.) I like Hallowe’en. When I was a kid I always enjoyed coming up with a costume and going trick-or-treating.

The “Occupy” protests continue, here in the Sault and around North America. I’m not sure that they will have any real effect, but I agree with the general principle that the protestors are claiming: they have the right to peacefully protest.

On this Thanksgiving weekend, I thought it would be appropriate to list some of the things for which I am thankful.

Well, as you kept checking for – and not finding – an updated column, you may have guessed that I have been rather busy the past couple of weeks.

I love reading. My mother read bed-time stories to me when I was only three or four, and I began to recognize words through repeated readings of my favourite books, including a collection of Dr Suess books that I wish I still had.

Included in the many images of the destruction wreaked by the tornado that struck Goderich, Ontario ("Canada's Prettiest Town) earlier this week is a yellow-brick church missing its roof and parts of the walls, seen below.

Working with kids is undoubtedly helping me stay young at heart. However, after two weeks of being at Camp, and a third week running a week-long vacation bible school (day camp), I find myself somewhat near exhaustion.