Idabel Lake's magic

After Jeem stumbled around TRU in Kamloops, becoming more politically activated with every speech he heard, and Sherry served as a calm and generous volunteer at the same event, they headed to the serenity of Idabel Lake. To reflect and relax.

We had been introduced to Idabel a few years earlier, and fell in love with the place. It's about a 40 minute drive south of Kelowna, and lacks adequate cell phone coverage. Not that we have cell phones mind you, but it's nice to know we'd be incommunicado if we did have the contraptions.















There is lodge accommodation at Idabel, along with a number of similarly shaped cabins available too; up a steep hill which can only be exited by driving in reverse. Jeem felt bad at first, but apparently everyone hits the tree at the bottom of the hill. Or another vehicle. But let's not go down that road, even though it is the only way out.











Our cabin was a self-contained utopia of sorts: two decks overlooking the lake, a hot tub, a gas barbecue, the usual amenities, and an old television from the last century with a VCR and an odd collection of movies! The TV was never turned on during our all-too-short sojourn.











We were awakened every morning by the call of a loon; its plaintive cry heard all round the lake. In the afternoons the sun was hot and the skies were never-ending. One night was full of the deep bass notes of thunder and the skies illuminated with sheets and bolts of lightning. Other evenings featured the Milky Way, shooting stars and satellites of unknown origin.





The "resort" offers a variety of watercraft for the enjoyment of its guests. Personal Flotation Devices are recommend, as is mosquito repellent, and sunscreen, though Jeem would never fall for that nonsense. Hence the peeling nose and the endless scratching.

Of special interest to many who come here in the summer is the year-round ice rink located under the lodge. Some days were given over to curling, others to friendly hockey matches, and the remainder to skating around in circles while the Carpenters, Gilbert O'Sullivan and the Captain and Tenille played on the PA system. It was refreshing to get out of the sun on those hot afternoons and cool off with a nice skate. The fact that the lake water is so horrendously cold, even in summer, helps the ice making process.
















Still, the reason Jeem and Sherry are here, and all the other visitors too, is the lake. A few days at Idabel is relaxing in a way that is difficult to explain, though once you're here, it's unforgettable.

Photos by Jeem. 

Copyright 2016 by Jim Murray.

Finding your TRU self in Kamloops

Recently we spent time in Kamloops; Jeem attended a political conference and Sherry visited some wineries and coffee shops.

The landscape around Kamloops is stunningly attractive and the vistas from TRU were impressive, especially at sunrise. Apparently New Democrats start their business early.

TRU Residence Building

The conference was held on the campus of Thompson Rivers University and it's an impressive site. Residences, conference centre and a number of buildings housing various faculties and programs.








TRU began in 1970 as Cariboo College, wending its way through the changing politics of BC to discover itself a degree granting university in the 2000s.








TRU has over 25,000 students with almost 15,000 attending on-site. According to statistics Jeem found on the internet, the female to male ratio of students is 56/43, which doesn't quite add up, but that's a minor quibble to be sure. Aboriginal students make up over 10 percent of the student body, with another 10 percent defined as international, mainly from China, but also India and Saudi Arabia, among others.

TRU's grassy knoll. 

The campus makes for an interesting walkabout; there are interesting pathways between buildings and places to relax and reflect, and in the summertime heat of Kamloops, the university was quiet.

Except for the antics of 500 New Democrats.

Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2016 by Jim Murray.

Giving Blood on Canada Day ~ Jeem's annual tradition since 2016

It's Canada Day and we're off to give blood. It's a good thing to do, especially when we're thinking all the reasons we love being Canadian. And not English. Or American where they pay for blood.







Giving blood is easy, as Jeem discovered a few months ago when he gave blood for the very first time. Doors open automatically at the centre on Oak Street and the reception is warm and friendly






A quick prick of the finger to see if one is human is about the most pain you can expect to endure.







There are forms to fill out, yet again. After all, Jeem might have come in contact with the bodily fluids of monkeys or taken up IV drug use since his last donation three months ago. One never knows apparently.




A brief wait and Jeem was called into a private room for screening. This is a bit more serious level of interrogation and one shouldn't answer any of the questions with a "maybe." As in, "In the past twelve months have you spent anytime in prison?" Or, "Are you now, or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?" After some minor clarification Jeem was sent to the next waiting room.

Another brief interlude and then the insertion of tubes by a trained professional, and proud member of a union. It was easy and Jeem didn't feel a thing.






His donation of a half litre of B+ was complete in less than twenty minutes. Time for some salty snacks, cookies and a juice. That, plus a good feeling, and a sticker for his tee, was the only payment Jeem received this Canada Day. And that's another reason to be a proud Canadian, though Christy Clark and her band of nitwits is trying to change that too. That would be a bad thing.





It's in us to give, and we should do so freely. Blood-for-profit has no place in this province, nor anywhere else in Canada.

Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2016 by Jim Murray.

Battle of Ballantyne Pier ~ remembering June 18, 1935

It's one of those stories all of us should know. It's the kind of history that should be taught in our schools in this province and across the nation. It's the Battle of Ballantyne Pier. and on a dull and rainy Saturday this year, we joined over 100 others at New Brighton Park to remember
what happened 81 years ago in Vancouver.

Most braving the steady rain were union members, mainly men and mainly older. Flags were unfurled, speeches offered, hands shaken and smiles exchanged.










Just after noon on June 18, 1935, about 2000 striking longshoremen and various supporters, mainly men, left the union hall on East Hastings to peacefully march to Ballantyne Pier with the intention of talking down the replacement workers that were working on the ships in the dock. In the past the Union had been somewhat successful in convincing the scabs of the error of their ways. The strikers had been locked out since June 4th, and the employers had taken on scabs that they had been busy recruiting for several months.

The employers' group, otherwise known as the Shipping Federation, had prepared for this day and had organised politicians to support a plan to deal with the waterfront situation. That plan included the hiring of scabs, police specials, and the coordination of three levels of police.

Vancouver Labour Heritage photo

The photos of the day tell a powerful story. Men, dressed in their Sunday-best, including many veterans from the First World War with medals pinned to their chests, walked, peacefully by all accounts, towards the Pier.






When the longshoremen and their supporters arrived at Ballantyne Pier they were greeted by hundreds of city police, with Provincial police hiding behind boxcars with Thompson machine guns. RCMP officers carrying long batons, and mounted on horses, rounded out the heavies.

Vancouver Sun archives photo

Tear gas was fired and the mounted police rode into the crowd of marchers, swinging long clubs. The police pursued the fleeing marchers through the surrounding streets, even riding up the steps of houses where women and children were gathered.

1:20 p.m. Tear gas bombs were fired by Royal Canadian Mounted Police over the heads of the crowd, mounted city and Provincial police charged them at full gallop and foot police swung into action with batons this afternoon when thousands of longshore strikers and sympathizers tried to break through the guard and march onto Ballantyne Pier.

  The Vancouver Sun from March 18, 1935

    

At day's end, over 100 marchers were treated in hospitals. Many others were injured but afraid to go to hospitals or doctors. At least two were shot. No one was killed.

In the end, the strike was broken. The employers' group broke the union in 1935 as they had done four other times since 1909. Ultimately, in the 1940s, union members prevailed and the ILWU was formed.

Shane Simpson MLA

A monument was erected at New Brighton Park in 2010 to remember the Battle of Ballantyne Pier. It's a tribute to the workers who faced down guns, batons and tear gas to achieve something of lasting value for all Canadians.

As speaker after speaker mentioned in the day's service, including Simpson Shane MLA, Vancouver-Hastings, the rich and powerful are constantly looking for ways to take more and more from working people in Canada, be it through their "free trade" agreements, the dismantling of public school system, or the privatisation of health care.

To remember the Battle of Ballantyne Pier is not just about remembering; it's about standing on guard and being willing to take a stand, no matter the consequence.

Photos, except where noted, by Jeem. 

Copyright 2016 by Jim Murray. 

Gigi Blin ~ great coffee shop in Marpole

Only a few blocks east from Granville on West 70th, is a leafy neighbourhood of mainly older, low-rise apartment buildings. This is the heart of Marpole and here too is a wonderful coffee shop called Gigi Blin . It's a name oddly familiar to followers of Jeem, and his old friend and mentor: G.G. Blyn from Brooklyn. Obviously, not the same person because G.G. Blyn could never make coffee taste this good. Gigi Blin on the other hand....

Open and airy, the café is a throwback of sorts to the kind of place one might expect to find in Italy, and that certainly serves as the inspiration. 

The coffees are well crafted, strong, bold and flavourful. House-made sandwiches are delectable. A variety of confections line the wall, and while there are cozier seating arrangements, the large wooden table is a focal point for conversation with your neighbours.

Something new for these hot days is espresso and tonic water. This one is made with Fever Tree tonic, lots of ice and two shots of espresso. 

The espresso rests at the top of the glass until a straw is added. Within seconds the glass erupts in a bubbly mixture. The taste is entirely refreshing. This could be the best iced coffee drink of the summer, and it's another reason to visit this great café in Marpole. 

Friendly service, good people and great coffees; Gigi Blin Market Café is open everyday. It's well worth many repeat visits.

Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2016 by Jim Murray.