The election season is almost at an end.

First, the national election on October 14th gave us backalmost what we had started with (minus $350 million that it cost to produce); followed by one of themost exciting election races I can remember – that one down to the south of us? where history was made? yeah, that one.

And tomorrow, a municipal race will end with who knows what kind of council, Regional district reps, etc to lead us through these intriguing times for a few more years.

I think it might be interesting to declare the Columbia Basin a separate state. We have a definate culture (or cultures) here in the Basin which keeps one amused for ages reading about, or experiencing first hand; we have (oh lucky people that we are) water; and land to grow what we need. I would think there are a few things lacking; (art supply manufacturers for instance), possibly a few more wineries just for divirsity, and hmmmmm perhaps an alternative form of manufacturer for transportation. But aside from that, cyberspace can keep even the most remote of us (and there are quite a few folks hidden away in these lovely hills) in touch with what goes on with the rest of the planet.

So if you have : heat; water; land; power and reasonable (well, most of the year) weather, and marry that to some kind of sensibility about not ravaging any of the above, you can live here. We once had a thriving “barter buck” system in the Kootenay valley, and its a shame it ended. It was a tad cumbersome to figure out; but that would have been ironed out with time Im sure. Even money can be done away with if you really want to “go bush”. 

And as to all those who are doing melt downs due to lost stock options? hmmmm, oh well. I dont personally know many people who have enough stocks to worry about. Makes life a bit more simple when things like economic meltdowns occurr, thats for sure. Maybe I cant consider owning a third home (in Hawaii) or having the latest gadgets (no room in the cabin for that 89″ tv screen anyway), but I do know that although I dont have any money, Im certainly not poor. Life is good when you have as much as we do. I dont disregard all the things that are not perfect here, but having travelled around the world, this is a pretty nice corner to call home. And on that (long rambling) note, I bid you adieu for a wee while. I know there was a big gap between the last post and this one. And there will be a further gap until I can see my way clear of various Christmas craft fairs and other commitments. But come December I will be able to delve head first into the bulk of the paintings for the Philately project, which I hope to post online in frequent installments for your comments and consideration!

Till then.DB