The first time I swore in front of my mother was in the fall of my 14th year. During a mackerel “run” in the Atlantic, the fish come to the surface and the water looks as if boiling, an easy target for a quick cast of the rod and “jigging.” I arrived at the beach to learn my family had gone to the lobster boat anchored offshore, leaving my mother and one fishing rod behind. I picked up the rod, only to have my mother inform me that it was without hook and all the tackle had been taken to the boat, so I laid it back down on the rocky North New Brunswick coastline. A heartbeat later a huge school of spawning mackerel appeared just offshore, so close they were splashing me! I scooped up the rod and drew back to cast as my mother leaned in and quietly said, “No hook!” I yelped “FRIG!” (I didn’t yelp frig) and my mother gathered what strength she could while laughing, lightly slapped my shoulder, muttering that I shouldn’t use such words. Good times.
Curry in the Creek is back to regular Thursday pickups. Jan. 7 has Specialty Chicken Madras for $15 and Organic Masoor dal for $10. Call 604-886-7036 or 604-828-4086 to place your order or email [email protected] For all the info check curryinthecreek.com
With some folk food for the soul, Roberts Creek singer and songwriter Grant Olsen (aided by Pamela Messner and Fraser Blackley) has a new dish to serve up. The album End of the Road is a generous helping of 14 delicious original tunes, flavoured with a dash of Dylan, a pinch of Prine and a dollop of Lightfoot to help warm you on these rainy days. Available in compostable digital download at grantolsen.ca
I am going to get on my dusty soapbox for a minute. The new year brings promise of change but, unfortunately, more of the same. For some, these goings on have been an inconvenience, loudly complained about like the whole thing is a personal affront to their existence. Others are suffering, really suffering, trying to keep life and limb together. Is now the time to say “poor me!” and proclaim you have been put upon? Being a member of human society comes with rights, for sure, but the responsibilities come before you can claim them. Without caring for the health and safety of the whole, those who put themselves in harm’s way endanger the health and safety of us all. Research what you share. Don’t be afraid to change your position when new evidence is brought to light, it’s what science does. And wear the friggin’ mask!
These remain tough times, if you are struggling with anxiety, depression or other issues please remember that we have health services only three digits away. I dialed 811 eight years ago and put myself on a path to freedom from nicotine, a life changing move. There are professionals available 24/7 to help. You can go to healthlinkbc.ca for all the resources too.
