July 1, 2023- It was surprisingly pleasant, dismantling the market this afternoon, with my desert cap and its flaps covering the sides and back of my head and neck, while an afternoon breeze counteracted the sun’s heat. We actually finished in less than two hours.

It is only slightly warmer here than it is in places like Calgary, Winnipeg and Toronto. We honoured our brave wildland firefighters, 19 of whom died in the line of duty, ten years ago, yesterday. As I write this, thousands of their counterparts are battling blazes in every part of Canada. The smoke from those blazes wafts unbound, down into the southern United States and across the Atlantic, as far as Russia and the Balkans. The long-term prognosis is for hot and dry conditions nationwide, until perhaps mid-August. While that prognosis was dented somewhat, by rain in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, the overall message is: Band together and prepare for a long onslaught by one of nature’s at-once most helpful-and most destructive-forces.

Canada is celebrating its National Day today, and there is, as is human nature’s wont, a sense that the nation will actually get a handle on the fires this time. I certainly hope so. Over the years, I have built fine friendships- albeit long distance, with people across that spacious land.

Here in Prescott, it’s as if we’ve stolen the northern thunder. It’s not Canada Day, per se, but our Independence Day parade was held this morning and our fireworks display will start in about an hour. Much of this is from the business community. Mid-week holiday celebrations have never been too keen with them, since “who likes disruption?” So, the rest of us will relax on Tuesday, while keeping our northern neighbours in positive thought and prayer.