Today is your day Boomer! I see in the news today the passing of Canada's "Hockey Dad" Walter Gretzky.....father of superstar Wayne Gretzky. So, I pay tribute to all Dads in our nation that truly commit a huge portion of their lives to their children and their hockey desires. Of course, it is not just fathers and hockey.....it is Moms, grandparents, and step parents that are being honoured here and for all sports like soccer, baseball, and lacrosse. Walter was the prime example of a Dad who would get out of bed at 4am for Wayne's hockey practices, he would slave for hours in the bitter Ontario winters to keep an outdoor rink going for his sons(see picture), he drove most weekends through snowstorms for tournaments, and provided hard-earned money for food, equipment, ice fees, and travel. He is the "poster boy" for committment to his children and many of us Boomers can really identify with this. My wife and I did the same thing for our three kids....including the outside rink! What alot of work, but it sure was worth it....and I know our children still appreciate it. Cheers Walter!
Today is your day Boomer! Relaxing in my hot tub this morning, I had reflections of the 1970 CCR song "Lookin' out my Back Door". Yes, that kind of druggy, but catchy song, about the view of your backyard. Mine is spectacular: colourful sunrises, big ponderosa pines, cheer, apple, fir, and weeping willow trees, two mountains, sheep and chickens next door, two frolicking golden retrievers, beautiful green grass and what seems like a thousand birds...including quail, pheasant, chickadees, woodpeckers, and blue jays. And what else? Well....the quiet, the solitude, and the chance for reflection with no sirens, car noise, yelling people, or neighbours invading your privacy. It was...is...just beautiful, and I am so blessed to live in a rural area in BC's Okanagan Valley. Boomers, what's out your back door? John Fogerty's "tangerines and elephants" or something like my cheeries and coyotes? Check it out and appreciate the little things in life. Cheers...

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