Just a thought… Anyone who stops learning is old, whether 20 or 80. [Henry Ford]

If you ordinarily just read this journal, I’m really going to urge you to try the video version. The content, in terms of words, won’t be any different, but I promise it’ll be worth it. Come along for the adventure. It’s really easy. You can watch a video version of this journal on my Facebook page, or here on YouTube.

Well, Happy New Year, my friend. I haven’t lost my marbles (okay, not entirely) but the first day after Labour Day has always been one of fresh starts, of new beginnings. So let’s do that. And by the way, my hat is off (while my mask is on) in salute to teachers everywhere today. You’ve been toiling under extraordinary pressure and challenges over the past 19 months and we are SO grateful for the impact your dedication has made on the lives of the little ones we love.

Speaking of learning, we’ve upped the curve here a bit for journal video viewers. I’ve gotten myself a green screen and changed things up: not the content, just the background. I want you always to have something to look at besides this face, and Rob has patiently gone along with my plan. Of course, it means more work in post-production and that I can never wear anything green or I’ll just be a floating head, and there will be mistakes, but what the heck, right? You’re worth it. And I love to learn.

I can talk to you from Mission Control. What’s that, Houston? No problems? Good. Thanks. Keep up the great work!

I can take you on our trip to Egypt…and share with you the heat and wonder of the Abu Simbel temple, moved in 1968 during the creation of the Lake Nasser reservoir.

But mostly, my friend, my backdrops will be from home: of places I’d love for you to experience, or that will make you feel as if you’re here having a coffee with me. Just as our friend Lisa Brandt did – having made the trek from Port Stanley, Ontario to be with us.

As I trust you read in Lisa’s blog, there were some wonderful sights: from our perch on Salt Spring Island right near downtown, to up island near Courtney and including a rainy day trip to Campbell River. If you haven’t seen her pictures, please go to voiceoflisabrandt.com and check out last Tuesday’s blog.

The best part of our trip, which spanned five days together on the road, wasn’t the food (which was good) or the sightseeing (which was spectacular) but the talk. The company. The advice we shared for each other, the perspectives and the memories. Get two women with over 60 years combined radio experience and, oh, you’re going to get memories. I don’t know how either of us survived the misogyny and insanity of those early years, but here we are. Sober and sane and laughing all the way.

Have a lovely week and I’ll be back here with you Thursday. I’ve missed you.