Happy 148th Canada Day!

Summerside, Canada

As the sun dawns first upon the east coast on the 148th Canada Day I am reminded how lucky and proud I am to be a Canadian. Oh sure, I complain about the weather and the mosquitos and the vast distances one needs to travel to see family and friends. But at the heart of it, I wouldn’t have it any other way. My niece called me the most “patriotic Canadian” she knows this morning in an email, and I couldn’t be more proud. I am one of those saps who gets a lump in her throat every single time our national anthem is played and who sings it, with gusto, like no one is listening. I’ve been fortunate to be able to travel lots outside Canada, and even as an official election observer helping in a small way to maintain democracy in another county but every single time I return home I feel how lucky I am that my ancestors had the good sense to make Canada their home. This year I get to spend Canada in a different part of the country, the east coast. I’m sure it will feel much the same as the many celebrations I’ve participated in Vancouver on the west coast, the few huge celebrations in the nation’s capital and small town northern Ontario. Proud, strong and free. Since I will be out celebrating our nation today, this may be my only post. But rest assured I will have my trusty camera in hand and will share the pics and experiences from today when I get a chance. To all my friends and family literally across this land (and beyond!) who I’m missing especially today, Happy Canada Day!