I woke up to the smell of roasting turkey this morning and snow on my window sill. Can I wake up like this every morning, please? In John’s high school bedroom with old Bo Jackson and Kevin Seitzer posters on the walls? *sigh*.

Here’s a little bit of what’s going on back home:

- A bit of backlash mixed with acceptance in regards to the naming of the new Surrey Memorial Hospital ER after a Sikh leader.

“We already have a hospice for terminally ill children named after a hockey team (Canuck Place) and a wing at VGH pays tribute to a billionaire car dealership tycoon (Jim Pattison Pavilion)”… …”Naming the entrance way to Surrey’s new ER after a much-loved Sikh guru incorporates the culture of a large part of the community; honours its substantial contributions; and is no more out of place than other existing designations.” [Surrey Leader]

… “Jesus Christ Intensive Care Unit? Mohammed Trauma Services? Xenu Psychiatric Care?”… “Why should the South Asians be singled out, first off, and if they are going to be, why was a religious name chosen? Whatever happened to freedom of religion? Why is the government naming a hospital unit after a religious leader? “[Paul Hillsdon]

- When you’re at the Rogers Santa Claus Parade this Sunday, bring a non-perishable food item to donate on several floats that will be passing by [News1130]

- Some Coquitlam residents say “not in my neighbourhood” while planning to speak up in opposition of a program that would bus Vancouver’s homeless into their town for shelter in churches during the colder and wetter winter months [CKNW].

- Should Vancouver ban plastic bags at grocery stores? Paper bags = mush in rainy Vancouver weather but what about reusable or cloth alternatives? [News1130] I know John and I enjoy our Safeway totes as they can carry about 2x a plastic bag and are much more comfortable to haul home.

Time to wake up and get out of this big comfy flannel-sheeted bed so I can start the day. I believe we’re having turkey times at 1:00pm, I can’t wait. Hopefully we can get in a walk around town before then cause have I mentioned, I love small towns.