With birthday celebrations all over Canada, including Prince George, I thought that I would share some of my favourite things about Canada.
Hershey bars. From day one I have always liked Hershey bars from Canada much better than the ones south of the border. The packaging is different and so is the flavour. Hershey bars here are creamier and sweeter. There are only six ingredients used, including real vanilla. So much better up here!
My favourite Canadian entertainer is Martin Short. I am not a big fan of comedy, but this guy can do it all. He can sing, dance and be hysterically funny. Okay, so he's not Christopher Plummer but he has proven to be a good dramatic actor.
My very favorite sports figure, worldwide, will always be,
No. 4 Bobby Orr. From the time I watched him play so often at the old Boston Garden, he has proven his greatness both on and off the ice. I had a delightful visit with him when he was here in P.G. some years ago doing a clinic with young hockey players.
He was humble and kind. Also, no one needed to translate. He understands the Bostonian language very well.
My favourite province is, without a doubt, British Columbia.
Where on Earth is there a place with so much diversity? I rate Vancouver in my top three cosmopolitan cities world-wide. When we are in Vancouver, our first stop is always Bierkraft on Commercial Drive. They have the best mussels.
With the many great vistas that B.C. offers, Tofino ranks right up there for Jo and me. Chesterman's Beach is my favourite, storm, rain or shine. It is a perfect spot.
The wine country of the Okanagan is another favourite. I am not a big wine drinker, but B.C. does make fabulous Sauvignon blanc.
The mountains, the ocean and the culture surrounded by nature makes B.C. darn spectacular. If pushed, P.E.I. would be my second favourite province.
There is so much I love about this wonderful country: the Byward Market in Ottawa; the Rideau Canal is outstanding; stopping for fried clams (with bellies) in Shediac, before driving over the Confederation Bridge; P.E.I. with its beautiful red sand beaches.
I also cannot forget vieux Montreal with cobblestone streets and old stone and brick buildings, so reminiscent of many European cities.
Did I say "I love Canada" yet?
What really makes me love Canada most is Prince George. We love packing a lunch, then off to Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park to sit at a bench on a quiet weekday afternoon.
Do you know what I really like?
I love the weather. Rain is delightful. When it is peak winter and cold here it does not bother me at all. I grew up with nasty old nor'easters with terrible winds and unbearable chill factors to accompany them. Sometimes we get a tad too much snow, but eventually, it does melt.
The art scene has been growing more and more with so much talent. We always start our weekend with Books & Co. on Friday nights.
Live music and live theatre is always good. Boredom is just not in my vocabulary.
With more and more restaurants opening, there are plenty of choices.
My favorite treat? No question, Pastry Chef Bakery on George!
I am still perplexed by the pineapple and ham pizza.
It's not from Hawaii. It was created in Chatham, Ont. Come on folks, really?
I have travelled the world and met all kinds of people, but none better than the ones here in P.G.
I have never seen such a community stick together through thick and thin; a community where, when one asks for help, suddenly many hands reach out.
Personally, the most important thing about Canada is that little boy who parents crossed the ocean with his parents on a ship called the Fair Sea from Germany. The boy grew up and came to P.G. not for a three-year stint, as many did in those days, but to stay.
That was over 40 years ago. He, in turn, turned me on to this amazing country.
With so many activities planned for this huge birthday I will embrace how lucky I am to be here and say thank you to my Jo, thank you Canada, HAPPY 150th BIRTHDAY!
Party hearty!
