Do Canadians have a sense of humour?
I would first like to call into question Mr. Simpson's claim that he is Canadian. First of all, he should recognise that the "short" summer begins in April or early May and that every Canadian on earth hates the claim that it is short. People like Mr. Simpson are why Americans believe we wear snow shows. Perhaps his cottage was on a lake in the Northwest Territories, otherwise I have no idea why it still had ice on it. As for the May 24 weekend, as real Canadians refer to it, why not dedicate it to Queen Victoria? She, with her worldly vision, would be more welcome here than someone who clearly can't remember the place. Stop being our ambassador Mr. Simpson. Oh yeah, Happy Victoria day, eh.
Neil Hoult, Toronto Ontario Canada  | | Told you so. Thanks sis. says Eric |
Leave my Eric alone, says sister
Hello from Canada!!! What a thrill to see our country praised by my brother in his article showing Canada's loyalty in our annual recognition of "the Queen's birthday"! To Canadians, as he said, it is a sign of spring - rebirth -when we hear the buzz of bees and lawnmowers and hoards of people throng to the outdoor garden shops and then go down on their knees in praise of Mother Earth! We all seem to take in a universal breath of fresh air knowing that we have survived another winter - and this one was a true challenge! But this year ,Victoria Day takes on an extra special significance since we are also celebrating the birthday of my brother's wife who is a resident of Nottingham! So -HAIL TO SPRING- HAIL TO THE QUEEN AND HAIL AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ANNIE- THE QUEEN OF OUR HEARTS!!!!!
Joan Bears, Halifax, Novascotia, Canada And another comes to Eric's defence
I read Eric's article and agree with most of what he as to say, except where we live in the Okanagan Valley BC we have a climate very similar to Northern California and we can plant much more than potatoes on Victoria Day. Our peas,beans,carrots and annual flowers have been planted this weekend. This valley produces, apples,pears, peaches,cherries,all kinds of ground crops and is fast becoming a large producer of grapes and excellent quality wines. Depends where you live in Canada, it is so large. My name is also Eric
Eric Norman, Okanagan Valley BC But do Canadians really care about their holiday?
I don't think most Canadians are even aware the holiday is named in honour of Queen Victoria. When I was attending university in eastern Canada, students referred to the holiday as May "two-four". In Western Canada, people celebrate by going camping because it is the first weekend that the mountain parks are open. I don't think it matters what the holiday is called. People don't care. Simply, it's the first holiday of the summer and that is all that counts. To my knowledge, there are no monarchists celebrations in my city on Victoria Day.
Tracy Hyatt A vision of celebration  | | Flotilla on Rideau canal, Ottawa |
Just thought I would put a couple of pictures in of The Flotilla on the Rideau canal, at Dows Lake in Ottawa. There was over 50 boats in the procession all decorated differently, I even met an Austin Powers (Oh Baby), lookalike, the sun was shining and it was a wonderful day to end my family's visit to Ottawa.
Caroline Cross, Ottawa, Canada Read Eric's Victoria Day article
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