I remember 1967. I was living in Terrace Bay so a bit out of the hub of the action, but the Confederation train came through. There was also a reenactment of the fur traders with Courier du bois paddling canoes onto the beach and setting up camp near the school. We had fireworks at the beach too - beautiful sparkles of colour against the backdrop of darkness over Lake Superior.
So, this year, I'm living in Ottawa, which is throwing one gigantic party on Parliament Hill. I'll watch some of it from the comfort of my living room at noon, but I'm also preparing for a BBQ with some friends and hoping the sun comes out this afternoon. Thinking back, Ted and I have seen in many new years and Canada days with these good buddies :-) I even went berry-picking yesterday morning in the mist to make strawberry shortcake - an annual tradition. I usually go with my daughter Lisa, but this year, we couldn't get the timing right between the rainstorms. I know she was with me in spirit as I slogged through the mud! We're also going to a pub at the edge of the downtown early in the afternoon to watch a friend's band play to get the party started.
A blast from the past - 2011
But for today, another cup of coffee and then in the kitchen to bake a cake. It's been raining almost steadily in Ottawa the last few days with thunder storms periodically rumbling across the valley. Still, I don't think the weather can dampen the enthusiasm and celebrations going on here and across the country. We're blessed to live in a land with so much space and freedom and plain old-fashioned friendliness. Milestones such as today unite us and let us know how far we've come and how far we need to go to make Canada fair and equal for all. But for now, we raise a glass to the nation-building that has gone before and make wishes for the future.
A day to wave the flag proudly.
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