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We hope your day went well. We think of you often, we think of ourselves when we were kids 😉 what an opportunity it was and is and can be passed down.
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Be the K in Kind
k
So, has anybody ever asked you? Did you notice that a formation of geese is usually longer on one side than the other, and asked yourself, why is that?
The reply is it’s “there are more geese on that side.”
So truth and reconciliation day begins with what is obvious first. The contentious next, then the punchline is “more work will be more productive than more obvious discoveries.”
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Day_for_Truth_and_Reconciliation
There are many organizations that offer listening and counseling services across British Columbia, Canada, and the United States.Here is a breakdown of organizations, when you should seek help, and how to access it:
Organizations and listening
1. Organizations with Listening and Counseling CapacityThese organizations range from immediate crisis support to long-term professional counseling, often with free or low-cost options.Immediate Crisis/Distress Lines (Canada & US)| Service | Jurisdiction | Focus | Contact Info ||—|—|—|—|| 988 Suicide & Crisis Helpline | Canada & US (National) | Suicidal thoughts, mental health crisis, or distress. | Call or Text 988 (24/7, free) || Crisis Text Line | Canada & US | Crisis intervention via text. | Text HOME to 741741 (US) or Text CONNECT to 686868 (Canada) || Talk Suicide Canada | Canada (National) | Suicide prevention and intervention. | Call 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) || 1-800-SUICIDE | British Columbia | BC Suicide Prevention and Intervention Line. | Call 1-800-784-2433 (24/7) || BC Mental Health Support Line | British Columbia | Support, information, and resources. | Call 310-6789 (No area code, 24/7) || Hope for Wellness Helpline | Canada (Indigenous focus) | Immediate mental health and crisis intervention for all Indigenous peoples. | Call 1-855-242-3310 (24/7) || Trans Lifeline | Canada & US | Crisis support for trans people, by trans people. | Call 1-877-330-6366 (Canada) or 1-877-565-8860 (US) |General Mental Health & Counseling Resources| Organization/Resource | Jurisdiction | Focus & Services ||—|—|—|| HealthLink BC (811) | British Columbia | Non-emergency health information and resources, including mental health. Nurses available 24/7. || BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) | British Columbia | Specialized treatment for complex mental health and substance use disorders. || Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre | British Columbia | Navigating the mental health system, peer support, resources for children, youth, and families. || NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) | United States (National) | Education, support, and advocacy for people affected by mental illness. HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264. || Open Path Collective | Canada & US (Non-profit) | Connects clients to private practice mental health professionals for affordable rates (e.g., $30-$70 USD per session). || 2-1-1 | Canada & US (Community service) | Information and referral for social, community, and government supports (including mental health services). || SAMHSA National Helpline | United States (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) | Referral for treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). || Mental Health America (MHA) | United States (National) | Public education, advocacy, and resources for finding treatment. || Local Community Health Centres/Clinics | All Jurisdictions | Often provide free or low-cost individual and group counseling, check local listings. || Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) | Workplace/Employer | Many employers offer EAPs that provide free, confidential short-term counseling for employees and their families.
When to seek
|2. When to Seek Counseling/Listening SupportIt’s time to seek help when your current coping mechanisms are not working, and the distress or negative symptoms are significantly interfering with your daily life, relationships, work, or school for a period of two weeks or more.Key signs that it’s time to reach out: * Emotional Changes: Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, or irritability that won’t go away. * Behavioral Changes: * Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities you once enjoyed. * Significant changes in sleeping patterns (sleeping too much or too little). * Significant changes in appetite or weight. * Increased reliance on alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other coping mechanisms. * Trouble concentrating or completing tasks at work or school. * Cognitive Changes: * Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (seek immediate crisis support). * Feeling disconnected from reality or experiencing delusions/hallucinations. * Overwhelming worry or fear that is constant and uncontrollable. * Physical Symptoms: Frequent, unexplained physical ailments like headaches, stomachaches, or chronic pain. * After a Trauma or Loss: If you’ve experienced a major loss, traumatic event, or life transition and feel unable to process or cope with the emotions.
Access
3. How to Access HelpStep 1: Determine the Urgency * If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or having suicidal thoughts: Call 911 or use one of the 24/7 Crisis Lines (like 988 or 1-800-SUICIDE). * If you are distressed but not in immediate crisis: Proceed to the next steps.Step 2: Start with Accessible Resources (Crisis Lines or Primary Care) * Non-Emergency Phone Lines: Call a non-crisis line like 310-6789 (BC) or the NAMI HelpLine (US) for immediate listening support, information, and referrals. * Contact Your Doctor: Your family doctor (or a nurse practitioner/walk-in clinic doctor) can assess your needs, offer basic mental health support, prescribe initial medication, and provide a referral to a specialist (like a psychiatrist or counsellor).
Affordability
Step 3: Explore Affordable Counseling Options * Public/Government Services: In Canada, many mental health services are covered by provincial health plans. Ask your doctor for referrals to local mental health services or call your region’s health line (811 in BC). * University/College Clinics: Many institutions have low-cost counseling clinics staffed by students under the supervision of licensed professionals. * Non-Profits/Community Organizations: Contact local organizations like MOSAIC (in BC) or other community health centres which often offer free or sliding-scale counseling based on income. * Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): If you work, check if your employer offers an EAP—it’s free and confidential.Step 4: Search for a Private Counselor * Use online directories (like Psychology Today or national associations) to filter by your needs, insurance coverage, and if they offer a sliding scale fee. * Organizations like Open Path Collective are dedicated to providing affordable, vetted therapists.
Currents
The seasons are changing soon, the weather has long term implications and short term pain when taken for granted.
Have the right equipment for the right time including regulated times…
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/driving-and-transportation/driving/winter/pdfs/northernmap.pdf
September 28th, 2025.
Rivers pickup our rain and deliver it back to our seas and in the interim they water crops and they mitigate carbon and they mitigate phosphorus and all sorts of things that are being brought to the surface and give us a good environment.
Peace
Vancouver international film festival 170 films starting soon.
That’s a great event to look forward to! The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is a major celebration of cinema here.Based on the current information, VIFF 2025 is scheduled to run from Thursday, October 2nd to Sunday, October 12th.Here are some highlights of what you can expect: * Extensive Program: The festival features a spectacular roster of over 170 feature films and 80 shorts, showcasing exceptional cinema from around the globe. * Film Variety: The lineup includes Canadian and international premieres, documentaries, features from different genres, and a focus on various countries (like a “Spotlight on Korea” this year). * Special Events: Beyond the film screenings, VIFF typically includes: * Galas and Special Presentations: High-profile screenings, sometimes with special guests. For example, the opening film for 2025 is Nouvelle Vague from director Richard Linklater. * VIFF Talks: Conversations and Q&A sessions with filmmakers, writers, and industry professionals. * VIFF Live: Unique events, including live performances and live scores to films. * Industry Events: Like the VIFF Amp Music in Media Summit, which focuses on music in film. * Venues: Screenings take place across various venues in Vancouver, including the VIFF Centre, Vancouver Playhouse, and others.It’s one of Canada’s largest film festivals, so there’s always a huge variety of content to explore! You can check the official VIFF website for the full schedule and ticket information.
October will be great in Vancouver. Yay for the shorts!
Motion holds your attention!
The Nicola Valley Community Farmers Market is a vibrant hub for local agriculture and artisanal goods, typically held weekly during the warmer months. It brings together farmers, craftspeople, and community members, fostering connections and promoting the benefits of eating local. Visitors can find a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and unique food items, offering a delightful experience filled with the rich flavors and talents of the Nicola Valley region. The market also often features live music, workshops, and family-friendly activities, making it a cherished gathering place that supports local economy and sustainability.
Triple view
October’s night sky offers two excellent meteor showers and the best view of a giant ringed planet. Here are three worthy activities to look for this month:
Orionid Meteor Shower
1. The Orionid Meteor Shower ☄️| What & Why It’s Special | How & When to See It ||—|—|| What’s Special: The Orionids are the remnants of Comet 1P/Halley—yes, that Halley’s Comet! This makes them particularly notable. They are known for being fast and bright, occasionally producing brilliant, long-lasting trails (persistent trains) in the atmosphere. | Peak: The night of October 21–22. || Worthy of Seeing: Although it’s a modest shower (up to 10-20 meteors per hour), the link to one of history’s most famous comets makes it a must-see. The meteors are quick, adding excitement to the viewing. | Best Time: After midnight and before dawn on October 22. The radiant (where the meteors appear to originate) is highest in the sky just before sunrise. || | Viewing Conditions: Excellent in 2025 because the peak occurs near the New Moon (Oct 21), meaning minimal moonlight interference for the darkest skies. Look anywhere in the sky, but the shower radiates from the constellation Orion.
Draconid Meteor Shower
|2. The Draconid Meteor Shower 🐉| What & Why It’s Special | How & When to See It ||—|—|| What’s Special: The Draconids are debris from Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner. Unlike most showers, their radiant point is highest in the sky in the evening, making them a great option for early night watchers and kids. Most years, it’s a minor shower (around 5-10 per hour), but it’s famous for periodic outbursts that have delivered meteor storms (hundreds or thousands per hour) in the past. | Peak: The evening of October 8. || Worthy of Seeing: The possibility of an unpredictable outburst is the main draw. Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner was recently at perihelion in March 2025, which might increase the chance of a better-than-average display. | Best Time: Soon after dusk and before midnight on October 8. ||
| Viewing Conditions: Unfavorable due to a very bright Full Moon (Oct 6) that will significantly wash out fainter meteors. You’ll need to face away from the Moon or use a building/tree to block its light to have the best chance. The radiant is in the constellation Draco (the Dragon). |
Saturn
3. Planet Saturn 🪐| What & Why It’s Special | How & When to See It ||—|—|| What’s Special: Saturn, the beautiful ringed gas giant, reached its brightest and closest point to Earth (opposition) in late September 2025, meaning it remains a spectacular object throughout October. | Peak: Visible all month long in the night sky. || Worthy of Seeing: Saturn is one of the most stunning celestial bodies, even through a small telescope. Its distinct, massive ring system makes it instantly recognizable and a favorite for amateur astronomers. | Best Time: Saturn is visible almost all night long in October. Look for it to rise in the east/southeast around sunset. || | Viewing Conditions: You can easily spot Saturn as a steady, bright yellowish “star” visible to the naked eye. To see its rings, you will need a small telescope. You can also observe it passing near the Moon in the first week of October: on October 5, the Moon passes close to Saturn. |
happy viewing
Encouraging planning to reschedule to avoid “Castnet Kelowna” “eight hours”
On Saturday the 27th of September 2025 a road closure on the Coquihalla from Othello bridge.
From 12am to 8:00 a.m.
Please rely on Drive BC
You can check the video cams or the live cams for real time evaluation of your trips and we suggest that you open up an account. You can have it with a basic bceid number and that will give you access to road conditions.
Concept Photo
We however, encourage that you use us in our comments for any difficulties or advice or stories that you might like to share with your driving experience in British Columbia.
Drive safe somebody’s waiting for you.
..
Photo of flowers out side a local Fast food….
Are we OK now the fire season was gooder the others rain came expetdetiously. Over night temperatures are single digit now. The October 6th Harvest or hunter moon. Will tell us something about risk in this 600 meter above sea level town. However the dynamic we control most often is care with our campfires, garbage etc.
Stay diligent as a life skill.
Please take care with the environment and people do not rub either the wrong way…
Downtown tourist information center 2202 Voght Street, Merritt BC.
Today, October 24th 2025 The tourist center also known as the Bailey house is changing its format for the winter. It will be open 10:00 to 3:00 5 days a week, and tours will be unavailable in the heritage House. However, an ongoing thrift sale will be in place for the winter season.
Ice cream
Ice cream numbers of flavors available? Picnic tables still shade?
Leonard’s choice flavor available as well as Maple, Walnut and others.
Nicola river these salmon are 200 meters up stream from the Voght St bridge.
Spawning
The salmon in the photo seem to be very lively and actively spawning.
Salmon
Photo KDG, September 21 2025, Merritt BC…
Nicola River System
The Nicola River system, located in the Thompson-Nicola region of British Columbia, is a vital watershed for several species of Pacific salmon. The annual salmon runs are not only a spectacular natural event but also a crucial part of the ecosystem and hold deep cultural significance for local First Nations.The Salmon SpeciesThe Nicola River and its tributaries support runs of several salmon species, including: * Chinook Salmon: Considered a prized species, Chinook are one of the largest and most sought-after salmon. * Coho Salmon: These are known for being a bit more elusive, which makes them a challenge for anglers. * Pink Salmon: Pink salmon are the smallest species and are known for the distinctive hump that develops on the back of the males during their spawning migration. * Sockeye Salmon: Although their presence has been less consistent in recent years, sockeye were historically a significant part of the Nicola system.The timing of the salmon runs can vary by species, but generally, the main runs occur in the late summer and early fall, as the fish make their incredible journey from the ocean to their natal spawning grounds.Environmental ChallengesThe health of the salmon runs in the Nicola River is a significant concern due to various environmental pressures. The Thompson-Nicola region is particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change, which has led to: * Drought: Lower-than-average snowpack and reduced summer rainfall can lead to low stream flows and higher water temperatures. This can trap fish in isolated pools, increase their vulnerability to predators, and cause a loss of critical habitat. * Wildfires: The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires can damage the watershed, leading to increased sediment runoff that can smother salmon eggs and alter the river’s habitat.These factors, combined with historical impacts from logging and water withdrawals for agriculture, pose a serious threat to the persistence and recovery of salmon populations.Cultural SignificanceFor the First Nations of the Nicola Valley, particularly the Nlaka’pamux and Secwepemc peoples, salmon are far more than just a food source. Salmon are an integral part of their identity, culture, and social structure. * Sustenance and Trade: For thousands of years, salmon have been a foundational food source and a key item for trade, sustaining large and vibrant communities. * Spiritual and Cultural Connection: In many traditional beliefs, salmon are considered gift-bearing relatives and are treated with immense respect. The return of the salmon each year is a powerful symbol of life, endurance, and the cyclical nature of the world. Traditional stories, songs, and ceremonies celebrate this deep connection. * Stewardship: Indigenous knowledge and traditional practices have historically played a vital role in managing and protecting the salmon populations. This includes using methods like dipnetting and establishing agreements between communities to ensure the sustainability of the resource for all.Efforts are underway, often led by First Nations communities and conservation groups, to address the challenges facing the Nicola watershed and its salmon. These initiatives focus on habitat restoration, sustainable water management, and integrated decision-making to protect this irreplaceable resource for future generations.
Kevin Griffiths
percypaschal
The Proprietor Review 