The weather forecast had rain showers for most of the day. Still, I spent the better part of the morning until early afternoon being outdoors for a dental appointment and at the waterfront for the Armed Forces Day celebration. In particular, watching the Canadian Forces Snowbirds air show.
The event drew a large crowd, with thousands coming out to support today’s celebration. It was also a monumental event that marked the Snowbird’s final current-formation air show in North Bay due to the retirement of their CT-114 Tutor aircraft fleet.
I took the opportunity to get some exercise by walking to the waterfront after my appointment. Then walked home after it was done. That was already half of my distance goal covered. I finished the rest with indoor walking exercises since the rain had come down much more heavily towards the end of my workday.
The highlight of my day was having a friendly chat with a random stranger whom I shared the bench with while waiting for the air show to start. She was an old lady with a thin oxygen tube on her nose, but had the energy vibe of someone who knew life is to be lived, not languished.
She and her husband traveled from Burlington, ON, to North Bay to watch the air show. She said she has always come out to watch military air shows in other places over the years, as a show of support and appreciation for their service. Very patriotic, indeed.
She planned to visit the North Bay Museum and go on one of the Chief Commanda cruises, which she’ll have to come back for when they reopen for Canada Day. Check off the things she hasn’t done yet, while she still can, she says. It led to a few enlightened conversations about family dynamics: of children growing up, becoming empty nesters, and dealing with old age and health issues.
It was one of those encounters that leaves you with a sense of goodwill, and some takeaways to think about.
Overall, it was a good day, and I feel happy having a goal to work towards for things like today.
Unlocked the 3rd comics for my Conqueror: Arc Reactor challenge with today’s mileage too. Double yay! 🔥
Today’s stats:
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