June 1979  Sense and Nonsense Proud parents perusing through baby books searching for appropriate names for their offspring are often unaware of two things. No matter what label is attached to the child, he will probably hate it; and half the people he is destined to meet in later life will probably forget it! A…

circa 1975 Sense and Nonsense Tomorrow is the first day of hunting season. The rifles have been sighted in, the regulations deciphered and there is anticipation in the heart of the hunter. There is anticipation in the heart of the hunter’s wife, too, as she cleans the home freezer of last year’s crop of Swiss…

1980  Sense and Nonsense A few weeks ago I added a utensil to my collection of kitchen gizmos that has completely changed my way of life. I allowed myself to be persuaded that “wokking” is the only way to cook. An Oriental “Galloping Gourmet” on television dazzled me with his one-liners (both on and off…

(August 1979) Sense and Nonsense See the pretty lady. She is immaculate as she rests in her cool, spotless home. The pretty lady is very frail. She does not walk her block a day as they tell her to do on television. She is too tired. Her phone rings. It is the blue phone and…

October 9/80 Sense and Nonsense I wonder if other people can promptly answer as to whether or not they had a good time on holidays? I never can. At least not until months after we have returned home. I am noncommittal until all real and imagined injuries to my nerves, to our vehicle and to…

June 24, 1976 Sense and Nonsense Yesterday was a bad day. It started out like any other day, the alarm went off at 6:00 a.m. and I reluctantly rolled out of bed. I stumbled into the bathroom, squeezed toothpaste onto my toothbrush, and glanced into the mirror. Ugh! 60% more cavities! The drugstore was all…

Sense and Nonsense This had been a most unusual winter. The mild temperatures and low snow levels have pleased everyone except the skiers and some other winter sports enthusiasts. There are some who are regarding the weather with suspicion. They worry that we will eventually have to pay for our comfort. They pessimistically predict that…

Circa 1975 (or 76?) Sense and Nonsense The story of the “pet rock” craze which swept the continent this Christmas reads like a modern but less believable version of “Cinderella”. How a poor but honest (and enterprising) beer parlour bum became a millionaire almost overnight. And all without  the help of a fairy godmother with…

Over the past two and a half  years the Fraser Lake Royal Canadian Legion Hall has been renovated, refurbished, refinanced, and members’ spirits renewed, due to the  efforts of some very dedicated volunteers. I recall the building as being a community hall back in the days before multi-channel TV and instant internet, when our family…

Circa 1981 Sense and Nonsense I miss our rabbits!  There I’ve said it. But not too loudly I hope. I don’t miss them enough to accept any replacements! After all, what rabbit could replace Brownie the first? Or second; or third ; or…? And Snoopy…we only had three of him (or her) and then there…