And it’s now the Winter Solstice…

Thought I should let you know that a bunch of people became quite enamoured with my last Chapters (#135 & 136). So much so that I felt I should step back from writing for a few days and ask myself why that was… I was going to quote from some of the missives I received so that you could help me figure it out. But as time passes, as so often happens, the various broadsides and bromides seemed to slip into the further reaches of my mind and for now that is where they will stay.

Perhaps this is the result of my Achilles Tendinitis treatments distracting me from thoughtful pondering. But then again, getting the Pain Clinic to actually reduce the pain in my Achilles has been a most beneficial thing – not only can I walk across the living room, but I can do so without a cane. So on that point alone, letting the reactions slip away is not too serious a problem. Besides, if the truth be known, I am not interested in running for any elected office anymore [although my debates with institutions of high learning are just about to ramp up (more on that later)]. Such electoral challenges should be taken up by those no older than my kids – it is time for a major re-set of the governing moments across our land (as well as our neighbours to the south). And I’m talking about ALL levels of government including Aboriginal institutions, educational interests, and even large corporate settings. Oh well, before you get excited and tell me how much experience is important, let me just acknowledge that I realize my wish is very idealistic…

So, my health is improving. I am going to the gym twice a week. I am doing stretches and the like as well. And occasionally I spend a while on the stationary bike. Thus, all is good on that score. And with snow coming down once again in the desert, it seems very much like the first day of winter (which it is, come to think of it).

This morning I watched a special interview that Jay Leno did with the guy at General Motors who is in charge of the new Corvette – the mid-engine beauty that has been touted/promised/tempted for years. The piece is about fifty-five minutes long, but it is well-done and certainly gives a thorough introduction to this automotive masterpiece. Now bear in mind that I was quite keen on getting a BMW I-8 this past summer. This car is a plug-in hybrid two seater sports car with all the bells and whistles. However it costs about $180K and even though I had the dealer down to $130K (and next to no interest on the loan), in BC it is not subject to any bonuses for being an EV car but instead has a luxury tax which made it somewhat less economical for my banker’s tastes. However, a base Corvette (which will likely have more than enough juice in its engine for the current level of driving for people like me) could be had for $80K + taxes. That is amazing. To come out with an automobile that is basically a competitor to the high-end European sports cars yet keep the price within reach of most hard-working blue & white collar folk is an achievement. Not sure I need another Corvette and when the Bimmer Cabriolet presently in the garage comes to the end of its dependable road, it will likely be replaced by a 4WD sedan (like a 5-series). Nevertheless, if you like cars at all, you might want to try to track down the Jay Leno interview (probably on YouTube).

Was up to the ski hill yesterday to get the condo (shared with a long time friend) ready for the season that has now officially started. All the skis and gear is kept there year round so it was mainly making sure that there was an adequate initial supply of wine, beer & scotch as well as some nibblies for the times when we all don’t go in to the Gunbarrel Saloon for lunch. All is well and probably will return on Christmas Eve to get the season fully underway. The base is still not quite to the preferred minimum of 100 cms, but there is a big storm in the area today and into tonight, so I am hopeful it will add to the snow on the mountain.

I am not going to rant any more about the way the pandemic is being managed, nor even about the bizarre approaches being taken on the matter of climate control (because, if we are honest, that is now what governments are trying to do and if they can pull it off there will be no need for studying the cosmos or even atmospheric sciences as we will have become god-like in our own times). I will comment on issues as they seem to require comment, but as we wind down this year perhaps we all need a break from my bully-pulpit!!

Do have a Merry Christmas, or Happy Hanukkah, and make sure to call at least three [3] people you know that may really be lonely and may not have a great many people calling them. So I don’t mean just family members – instead a neighbour, someone from your college or high school days, a small business owner, someone trying to keep a not-for-profit afloat…

As always,
g.w.