Today is your day Boomer! We grew up in a smoking world Boomers; many of our friends and family lit it up on a regular basis; we even had smoking rooms in high schools, restaurants, and other public places. Then, thankfully the word got out that cigarettes kill and smoking has declined substantially since 2000. Well, guess what? It's back, and it is being perpetuated by our social culture...especially younger stars like Justin Bieber, Ben Affleck, Sean Penn, Dua Lipa, and Charli XCX. And we know how word and images get out nowadays....by social media and influencers! It is scary how quickly cultural trends can spread! But Boomers, before you get the urge...read this: over 45,000 Canadians die each year from smoking-related illnesses like lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems. We don't need more of this. But it's young people I am especially worried about; about 1/4 of all high schoolers in Canada vape every day, and it is not a big leap from vaping to smoking. So be smart Boomers, don't get sucked-in (heh, heh, good pun) by social media smoking culture, and live longer and healthier lives. Cheers!
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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