tomorrow is Canada Day, formerly Dominion Day referring to the Dominion of Canada. Canada Day refers to the 1982 Repatriation of the Constitution. I am beyond the beer swilling wet Maple Flag T-Shirt Contests. I am back to loving Canada the way I did as a kid. Be able to go places without too much bother on my bike. Appreciate differences and the wild smells of the foods we now enjoy. The crazy heat summers. The heart breaking springs. The Sweet goodbye autumns and the watch your ass you just might freeze it off unless you skate faster winters.

I have gone up and down a few highways into hill country that was still wild yet there was rock n’ roll on CBC. I have spoken to the Natives with a respect I didn’t even know I had for their greatness and their suffering. I have swam in lakes as comforting as a mother’s breast and a dangerous a wild horse. I have tobbaggoned at the highest speed possible in the mind of a twelve year old. I have squished home in sopping boots from snow puddle soakers. I have drunk copious amounts of Molson Export to the ancient tune of CBC Hockey in Canada and tried to seduce the girl with Leonard Cohen breathing apocalyptic instruction from the stereo.

I have skated on a street full of ice. I have raced in a War Canoe- screw dragon boats!

I have smoked Players through referendums and elections that could make un- Canadians hurl at the very emotional La Ronde of it all. I made love with a quebecois girl  without saying a word to keep peace and passion.

Yea, tomorrow Canada turns 145. I love the place and thank everyone on the planet for making Canada the Country it is. O Canada!