Cal's Journal

Barrman sat at the table surrounded by love and friendship. There was an exciting vibe in the lounge where ten people sat eating wings and sharing stories. It was a connection he’d rarely felt in over two years. He didn’t want the feeling to end.  And then his phone rang. Barrman stared at his phone. Should I answer it? He thought to himself. It was a number he didn’t know.  Instinctively, he pressed the button and answered the call. “Hello Read more…

A part of my world returned to normal – whatever that is. I reconnected with a group that I have not seen in quite some time. The Greater Westside Board of Trade had a Business After Hours and we all mingled and mixed. We share smiles, business cards, and connections were made.  It felt good. It was fantastic to see and chat with so many people from the Before Times. I missed the group of business associates and friends I’d Read more…

Wind lashed the side of ‘Triple Or Nuthin’. A light rain beat on the side covers of the twenty-four-foot pontoon boat as I pulled hard to the port side and tried to make it to the dock. In the back of my mind, I thought maybe I should call for help.  Why bother anyone? I could do it on my own. So there I was at the Westbank boat launch peering into the darkness as I turned the bow into Read more…

Dark clouds hung ominously in the sky over the Okanagan Lake. Wind and rain danced all around, I really hoped that we would not get wet when we embarked on our evening cruise.  At two o’clock the sky was still unsettled but it looked like the rains may hold off. It was to be a very special afternoon on the water. “Money is no object,” He told Captain Rob. ” I want to propose to my girlfriend and I want Read more…

Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful women out there who are or have been moms. It is one of the few random days that have been created that I support with all my heart. Even though on this day my heart is heavy. This past week I lost my birth mom to cancer. I was very fortunate to know her for the last seventeen years. Life has its array of gifts and knowing her was certainly a great gift Read more…

Louise lay in her bed, too weak to move. When would this life be over so she could have an end to the pain? End to all the pain.  She was at peace with herself. She hoped her kids would be at peace with her as well. She loved them but it was too much. It had been so intense when she saw them last. She’d said her goodbyes to them. Now it was time to take care of her Read more…

“Zing!” The rod bounced and the fishing line began to spin out. I jumped from my seat and reached for the rod. Fifty yards behind the boat I saw the fish leap from the glassy water.  Fish on! My heart began to race and I calmed myself while I held my fishing rod and began to bring in my prize. It’s been a while since I felt the thrill of the jiggle on my line. I began to play with Read more…

Paradise has been invaded by greed. Our beautiful Okanagan Valley has become a place for the wealthy and well-to-do. And it makes me sad. The latest casualty is our friend’s beach lot. For over fifteen years they have been able to spend their summers at their RV on the water on the shores of West Kelowna. The Westbank First Nations were the owners of the land and they rented out a series of lots on the water for seasonal camping. Read more…

It was like a dance, a renewed romance. I leaned my machine into the corner and spun it back up again. The gleaming waters of Okanagan lake reflected the mountains above, it was the perfect backdrop for the undulating highway known simply as Westside Road. Everything was right in the world. I was back on my trusty Honda ST1300 after a winter off of it. I could breathe clearly for those precious moments in time. It was a great reminder Read more…

I am feeling a lot of pressure these days. Our little city is growing and changing. And not in a good way. The boat is being evicted from the Eldorado and the city has implemented a draconian fee to the boat businesses of $ 2000.00 per boat to use the facilities. The cost of everything is going through the roof and I have an ache inside whenever I turn on anything resembling the news. Oh ya, and there is a Read more…