You are presumed to be honest and responsible without evidence to the contrary beyond a reasonable doubt… on the balance of probablilties you are justified by 51 % likelyhood.
Waxing Gibulous Monday August 24th 2026, 94% illuminated.
Watch for eclipse on the 27-28 August, it’s gearing up for a show. Weather permitting, and it’s not too upset about the RCMP Musial ride cancelation on the 26th.
Full Moon 93 percent eclipse …
Look up.
The full moon on the night of August 27 into August 28 brings a deep partial lunar eclipse, with over 93% of the Moon’s surface passing through the Earth’s dark umbral shadow, giving it a striking copper or reddish “Blood Moon” appearance. As Earth’s shadow sweeps across the lunar face, look for the deep color contrast against the remaining thin, bright sliver of sunlight, as well as the ringed planet Saturn glowing brightly nearby in the sky. Yes, this event is completely visible in Merritt, British Columbia, provided you have a clear view low toward the east-southeast horizon as it begins shortly after moonrise. You should start watching around 7:33 PM PDT on Thursday, August 27, when Earth’s main shadow begins creeping over the Moon; peak eclipse occurs at 9:12 PM PDT, and the partial shadow phase ends by 10:51 PM PDT.
The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) was founded in 1983 as a private institute by the five First Nations bands of the Nicola Valley—the Coldwater, Lower Nicola, Nooaitch, Shackan, and Upper Nicola bands. Created out of a vision to provide a meaningful space where Indigenous people could thrive in higher education, it initially opened its doors to just 13 learners in a specialized forestry program. In 1995, the institution achieved a major milestone when it was officially designated as a Provincial Institute under the British Columbia College and Institute Act, making it BC’s only public, Indigenous-led post-secondary institution. Today, it operates two main physical campuses—the primary Eagles Perch campus in Merritt and an urban site in Burnaby—while simultaneously delivering mobile, community-based education directly to over 35 distinct Indigenous communities across the province.The institution’s governance and modern student body directly mirror its founding values and unique public mandate. Fully governed by a First Nations Board of Governors and deeply supported by a dedicated Elders’ Council, NVIT operates under an Indigenous-led administrative structure designed to keep curriculum and student services learner-centered and culturally grounded. The student population has grown to approximately 1,500 learners annually, with individuals representing nearly 70% of all First Nations communities in British Columbia, alongside a smaller segment of non-Indigenous students from local regional school districts. Over the decades, NVIT’s expanding network of alumni has produced influential community leaders, environmental technologists, health care workers, and business professionals. Many of these graduates transition directly into roles within First Nations governance, resource management, and social services, carrying forward credentials ranging from specialized certificates to joint Master of Business Administration degrees explicitly tailored for Indigenous cohorts.
So, creek balls belong to everybody that finds them. Or at least it’s a transaction that is so small and that is not worth an argument. However, it’s a point of matter. If retrieving balls is a boon for the environment:
I can’t see them fertilizing anything so it’s probably good to pick them out of the water and keep them and replay them and keep the production down and the recycle it up.
Unless the ball is still playable…
Advise on balls
In British Columbia, the legal protocol for recovering golf balls centers on property rights and trespassing laws. Legally, a golf ball remains the personal property of the golfer who purchased it, even if it is lost in a water hazard or thick brush. When a golfer abandons the search, the property right generally transfers to the golf course owner rather than the public. Entering a course to “hawk” or hunt for balls without explicit permission from the club professional or owner is considered trespassing on private land. Engaging in unauthorized retrieval can lead to legal consequences, including fines or removal from the premises, as courses often have exclusive contracts with commercial recovery divers or use the balls for their own driving ranges.When golf balls land in creeks or streams that run through or exit a course, environmental protocols become the primary concern. Under BC’s
**Water Sustainability Act**
and the federal **Fisheries Act**, these waterways are often protected habitats, particularly in regions like the Nicola Valley where salmon and trout spawning are critical. Disturbing the substrate of a creek bed to rake or dig for balls can be classified as an “unauthorized change in and about a stream,” which carries heavy environmental penalties. Furthermore, modern stewardship programs in BC emphasize leaving lost balls in sensitive aquatic zones to avoid damaging banks or introducing silt into the water. If you are looking to recover balls from a creek, it is essential to ensure the area is not private property and that your activity does not disrupt the local ecosystem or violate provincial riparian protection regulations.
Since you’re looking for a solid brunch option, a Savory Dutch Baby is a fantastic choice. It’s essentially a giant, puffed-up pancake baked in a cast-iron skillet. It looks impressive but requires very little active prep time, leaving you more room to enjoy your morning.Savory Herb and Parmesan Dutch BabyThis version leans into earthy flavors and works perfectly as a standalone meal or paired with a side of thick-cut bacon.
Prep time:
10 mins
| Cook time:
20 mins |
Serves: 2–4Ingredients| Category | Item | Quantity ||—|—|—|| The Batter | Large eggs (room temperature) | 3 || | Whole milk (room temperature) | ½ cup || | All-purpose flour | ½ cup || | Grated Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup || | Fresh herbs (chives, thyme, or parsley) | 1 tbsp, minced || | Salt and Black pepper | To taste || The Pan | Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp |Instructions * Preheat the Oven: Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet inside the oven and preheat to 220°C (425°F). Getting the pan bone-searing hot is the secret to the “lift.” * Whisk the Batter: In a blender or a medium bowl, combine the eggs, milk, flour, salt, and pepper. Process or whisk until completely smooth with no lumps. Stir in the minced herbs and half of the Parmesan by hand.
* Melt the Butter:
Once the oven is ready, carefully remove the hot skillet. Drop the butter in and swirl it until it’s melted and foamy (be careful not to let it burn). * Pour and Bake: Quickly pour the batter into the center of the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top. * The Rise: Slide the skillet back into the oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the edges are high, puffed, and a deep golden brown. Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes, or it might deflate!
* Serve:
Remove from the oven and serve immediately. It will start to settle as it cools, which creates a perfect “bowl” for toppings.Variation IdeasIf you want to branch out from the savory side, you can easily pivot this into a Sweet Classic: * Omit the herbs, pepper, and cheese. * Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a tablespoon of sugar to the batter.
* Top with fresh lemon juice and a heavy dusting of powdered sugar once it comes out of the oven.
Would you like me to find some local spots in the Nicola Valley that serve a great traditional brunch if you’d rather head out?
Art of Photography, be a bird of a feather will you..
Public Safety week is coming in May, Pay attention to everything. It saves lives, which saves grief, which gives you Liberty.
Photo: RCMP site Canada.ca, web capture.
Emergency Preparedness British Columbia,observe beginning May3rd 2026.
Spring means energy to produce in the window that weather gives us in those short Months before old man winter returns. Increased activity coupled with time-sensitive opportunities can produce a rush and an attitude of entitlement that can put up serious risk on the whole community.