Canada Day

July 1, 2009

My patriotism does not extend itself to spend a gloriously sun-filled morning lining the sidewalks with a crowd of proud Canadians. Instead M and I escaped the Canada Day Parade for a bike ride on the country dykes - my favourite place to ride.

There are fewer people here, more herons than elsewhere and, every time, we have been gifted with a sighting of an eagle. Within an hour's drive of my city home, I can sit on a bench along the river, eat cherries and ask my husband, "Is that a duck?". Not that I could see any in the two ponds behind our bench but I also couldn't quite identify the sounds. I shut my eyes, felt the sun warm my face and listened quietly. "Ribbet" - it was now unmistakeable - Frogs! When last had I heard frogs? With the delight of a child, I stood on the edge of the pond trying to spy the little creatures in the reeds. They weren't to be discovered but they were to be heard.

This was a far better way to celebrate Canada! Some time-out together with frogs, herons, ducks and an eagle - regal in the tree - still waters, blue skies, and majestic green peaks. We biked on discovering new trails. We doubled back. We talked, dreamed together, made plans, laughed and were silent, pedalling hard now.

With iced coffees in hand, we drove home with windows open wide, enjoying the warmth, the wind and what we could hear of the country music station. And that was just half of our Canada Day celebration.

We joined friends for a late afternoon potluck barbeque, good Okanagan wine and bocce. How many people do you know with a full bocce court in their back yard? It was great fun, the neighbours didn't complain, and the novices (that would be our team) beat the seasoned players. Happy Birthday, Canada! We enjoyed the party and all that you offer us.