I was twelve or thirteen when the ‘flag’ part of this story began – the ‘pea pods’ and my ‘other crap’ happened when I was seventy-three years old.

However, I do not have a photo of me at twelve or thirteen, but I do have this one of me on a used bike my Mom bought for me when I was nine.

Ma used to save a little money from the meager housekeeping money Dad gave her on paydays. She used this fund to buy a birthday gift for each of my brothers and sisters (six of us).

Although it wasn’t my birthday, I am sure it was a belated birthday gift.

But I sure loved that bike.

At the time, most moms did not work but were housekeepers instead.

And that was before modern conveniences such as automatic washers and dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, multiple bathrooms, disposable diapers, etc.

We had one washroom for our family of eight! I was the oldest of four boys, and my two sisters were older than me.

Can you imagine the lineup for the washroom in the morning? Or sharing a bedroom with three brothers?

You probably have no idea unless your family was similar in size to mine.

The only reading material in our bathroom was the Simpson Sears and Eaton’s catalogs.

The pages that I frequently viewed were the ones displaying photos of women wearing bras and or panties.

And I was not alone – my buddies at school or in my 8th Oshawa Sea Scout Troop also did the same thing.

It was the first sign of reaching puberty.

The other thing that kids from my generation had in common was their patriotism.

We used to begin classes by singing God Save The Queen and reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

I do not know if they still do that in schools today.

But I hope there is still some daily homage to our country and its symbol, the Canadian flag.

Our flag was the Union Jack at the time because we were part of the British Commonwealth.

Also, I remember Dad warning that a flag must always be flown properly.

One summer, when my dad and I were building our cottage on Duck Lake near Parry Sound, Ontario, I was alone at the site while Dad took the boat across the lake to my godfather’s place, where we stayed and ate.

I remember gathering and raising the Union Jack flag as Dad traveled across the lake.

We used to follow the same ritual as Dad did when he served in the army during World War II – raising the flag at dawn and lowering it at dusk.

When Dad was halfway across the lake, he suddenly turned the boat around and came racing back to the building site.

Well, ‘racing’ is a bit of an exaggeration – we had a small fishing boat with a 9.5 HP motor – so it was not fast.

I hurried to the end of the dock to meet him on his arrival.

He asked me what was wrong and pointed at the upside-down flag.

I shrugged my little shoulders because I did not know it was upside down – I mean, how can you tell?

While the flag appears symmetric, the white lines above and below the diagonal red are different widths. On the side closer to the flagpole (or on the left when depicted on paper), the white lines above the diagonals are wider; on the side farther from the flagpole (or on the right when depicted on paper), the converse is true. Thus, no change will be apparent when rotating the flag 180 degrees, but if mirrored, the flag will be upside-down.

However, it can be flown upside down as a distress signal. While this is rare, it was used by groups under siege during the Boer War and during campaigns in India in the late 18th century.

Wikipedia

It symbolized the protocol for communicating you desperately needed help!

I have never forgotten that admonishment.

Canada adopted its own flag—the Maple Leaf—in 1965, during its ‘Declaration of Independence’ from the United Kingdom.

Our Maple Leaf flag would be easier to know when it flew upside down.

********

The Ukraine Flag

When I moved into my new apartment in September 2022, my next-door neighbor had a Ukrainian flag on their balcony window.

Immediately, I felt a connection to them because one of my best friends – Peter Hrehoruk, is Ukrainian, although he was born in Oshawa, Ontario.

Peter and I have been best friends since the 60s, and I have always stayed in touch with Alice and him.

My other connection to Ukraine is my late Aunt Mary St. Andrews.

My Uncle Bill (Dad’s younger brother) married Mary Olliffe, a widow with two children, Marilyn and Bobby, from an earlier marriage.

I recently wrote a story about my cousin Bobby Olliffe. Here is the link: Some Awesome Bands Played in Oshawa. 

That was when I was about seven years old, and they lived on William Street. 

Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary worked at General Motors in the Parts and Service Department (GMSPO).

My Uncle Ron (Mom’s younger brother) and Uncle Don (Dad’s sister Marion’s husband) worked at General Motors – in the assembly plant; Uncle Ron was in the union, and Uncle Don was in management.

I loved my Uncle Ron and Aunt Kay Puffer and my Uncle Don and Aunt Marion Richardson, and I have great memories of them and my cousins, Gwyneth and Debbie Puffer, and Alan, Mark, and Donna Richardson.

Danny, will this be another of your long-winded stories about your old, boring, and twisted youth?

Spanky

No, Spanky – and I am surprised you’re out of bed before noon on a work day!

When the lump cleared my throat, I Googled where I could buy a large Ukrainian flag to hang in my adjoining window.

Within a few days, my new flag was prominently displayed in my window, and I felt proud to support Ukraine.

I also donated money to a Ukrainian charity fund.

Although I do not live according to the beliefs of a particular political or religious organization, I follow my heart and spirit because it always speaks the truth.

My Grandma Puffer always reminded me to ‘follow the truth – wherever that may lead me.’

I do not intend to imply that I have never lied. However, when I did, it was usually not to cover up an indiscretion or sin but to avoid embarrassing myself.

But if anyone reading this story suggests that they are an exception to this assumption, you are doing something much worse; you’re lying to yourself!

Sadly, a few months after hanging the flag in the window, I learned that the apartment building did not allow flags to be displayed.

So, I removed the flag from the window and felt guilty until last week when I met Alexandria, my Ukrainian neighbor, in the hallway.

I explained that I had removed the flag because of the apartment’s no-flag policy but wanted her to know that I loved Ukraine and that one of my best friends is Ukrainian.

It now hangs on my bedroom wall, but I wanted to show it by the window where it previously hung.

Moreover, I told her I was heartbroken over the terror and suffering her country has been enduring and that I am praying, in my way, for peace.

I wanted to hug her but felt it would be inappropriate – but I know that my spirit reached out to hers and embraced her with love.

I also met Tony, her husband, and was impressed by how friendly they both are to me.

I will always have Ukraine and its citizens in my heart and soul.

By the way, it was Peter Hrehoruk’s 73rd birthday on Friday, April 28th, and I phoned him and sang the Happy Birthday Song to Alice and him.

I also told them I loved them both, and they returned the same.

Peter is the Ukrainian buddy I referred to when speaking with my neighbor.

The most important thing in my life has always been my friends.

And if you are a regular reader of my stories – you’re a friend of mine, too!

********

Pea Pods

During my recent hospital stay, I got an antibiotic that causes diarrhea, but it did not state how frequently or for how long.

The nurse gave me the first medication dose the evening before my release and explained that I must take it twice daily for five days (until May 12th).

A few hours later, I awoke with a familiar rumbling inside my stomach that I always get before an episode of diarrhea.

I left the bed and walked to the bathroom, squeezing my butt cheeks with all my might. 

Thankfully, I made it, but I shuddered at the thought of the mess if I had not gotten there in time.

When I returned to bed, I rang for the nurse and asked her for a men’s incontinence diaper – like the Depends I usually wore daily.  

However, I did not bring any of them because I assumed they would have a supply in the hospital. 

Besides, it is not what you think about when being loaded into an ambulance.

By the way, believe it or not – I did a television commercial for a product called PeaPod Mats for seniors with incontinence issues.  

Here it is from my YouTube library:

I cannot leave the apartment for even a short period – because diarrhea happens with little notice.

It happens every three to four hours per day (and night) and is unpleasant, as you can imagine.

But I only have to take the medication (two times daily) for five days, and tomorrow’s dose will be the last.

I am glad Annette brought a box of soft Kleenex tissues because the toilet paper in my hospital room was similar to sandpaper.

And that is not an exaggeration!

Single-ply toilet paper should be banned worldwide – unless you’re the type who ‘doesn’t give a shit.’

I ordered a 3′ X 5′ pea pod mat this morning with express shipping.

Maybe I should have titled this story Brown Streak Across The Beach by Diarrhea Danny.

And that is all I have to say about that crap.

********

I was going to add a few more paragraphs to this story, but I need to take a short nap before continuing.

So please hang tight – I’ll be back in a flash!

The Beach

While in the hospital last week, I thought about my favorite place to walk in the Pacific Northwest (BC & Washington State): the beach, pier, and promenade here in White Rock.

So, I changed my mind and went to the beach instead of napping.

The sun shone brightly, the sky was blue and almost cloudless, and the ocean water was warm until you reached your mid-calf area.

A nice couple sitting under an umbrella was kind enough to take our photo.

We walked along the beach for several minutes and took some photos.

Here are the photos in a slideshow of Winnie, the 4-month-old puppy, with Mom (Preet and her friends).

I forgot the breed’s name, but I will find out from Preet and update the story tomorrow.

The first photo is Preet holding her puppy (in the middle), and the other two are her friends.

They were all very friendly, and I have added Preet to my website’s distribution list.

And here is another slideshow from the beach:

But shortly after taking the photos of Preet, Winnie, and Preet’s two friends, I felt a sudden but familiar rumbling in my stomach and knew that I had to rush home to prevent a disaster in my shorts (and bare legs)!

So, I could only wave to them as we hurriedly packed up our stuff and returned to my car for the 3-minute drive home.

It was a miracle that I made it to the apartment in time!

Hopefully, Preet and her friends will read my story to better understand why we left without saying goodbye.

In Closing…

My niece Jennifer, her wife, Lily, and their six-month-old baby girl, Haesel Katlynn, will visit us tomorrow.

Jennifer is the daughter of my late brother Eric (Ricky) St. Andrews. I will meet Lily (who I also adopted as my niece) for the first time.

They live in southern Ontario and are in British Columbia on vacation.

They are staying with friends of theirs in Burnaby.

I will post photos of their visit in a new story I plan to write on the weekend.

Last Friday, I was rushed by ambulance to the hospital with a heart rate of 156.

Nine firemen and paramedics were working on me inside my apartment, and several were in the ambulance, trying to stabilize me.

The ambulance stayed in the parking lot for several minutes.

They applied an intravenous medication feed to lower my heart rate before transporting me to Peace Arch Hospital’s ER Department.

I remained calm the entire time – because I knew I had been living on ‘borrowed time.’

The picture my mind kept providing to me had a calming effect – it was of the beach, pier, and Promenade on Marine Drive in White Rock – my favorite place to walk.

I also quietly communicated something to the Grim Reaper, standing beside the paramedics nearby with a smirk on his face.

I told him to – “Go, Buck, a Fuffalo!“

The score is now: Danny 18 vs. Grim Reaper 0

UPDATE: May 17th – 10:30 AM

Although I thought I could now walk independently without my walker, I assumed I would be fine – but that was my first mistake.

During a recent trip to Bellingham, WA., and after filling the White Shark with gas at Costco, I went to Trader Joe’s to buy some milk and coffee.

Fortunately, I had a shopping cart. When my legs began to collapse, I clung to the cart, which prevented me from falling to the floor.

However, it really surprised me, and I remained still until I could get myself steady enough to go to the checkout counter.

I drove straight home and got into bed.

My doctor’s appointment for this morning was canceled, so I am going to remain indoors for the day.

Tomorrow, I plan to attend the Vancouver Venturers’ Walking Club’s scheduled walk at Steveston Village to say hello to everyone before the start of the walk.

Seeing friends always lifts my spirits – and puts a smile on my face.

And I need both of those now.

But I am not complaining!

UPDATE: May 18th – 10:30 PM

Although I had planned to go to the start of the Venturers walk today – I wasn’t feeling well, and neither was Holly Golightly.

So we spent most of the day cuddling in bed.

However, I did go outside later and took this video of the fountain at the front of my apartment building.

So, today wasn’t all that bad—the Blue Jays lost again to the Yankees, but I enjoyed the series.

Aaron Judge is one of my favorite players, and Harrison Bader, the Yankee’s center fielder, is very impressive, too.

But I did not appreciate some fans booing Judge when he was at bat.

We give standing ovations to opponents who used to play for the Jays – and yet, when a superstar appears – we don’t offer recognition by polite applause – or a similar expression of our appreciation.

I love watching baseball games; I love the Blue Jays team – and I love watching talented players, regardless of team.

But I support booing the home plate umpire – whenever they make a terrible call.

Games have been lost because of stupid calls, and I think teams should have an appeal option to challenge a bad call.

They can appeal most of the other plays – but not the umpires’ call of strikes or balls!

But I hate that I have become one of those pathetic fans who talk, yell, and scream at the television.

And worst of all, it frightens Holly Golightly when I get too emotional.

So, it’s another thing for me to work on.

The only thing that keeps me from being perfect is my humility! (LOL)

UPDATE: May 23rd – 4:50 AM

I had a bad day yesterday. And last night, in particular, I was having difficulty even getting out of bed.

I will try to see my doctor today, or if that’s impossible, I will go to Peace Arch Hospital’s ER.

Holly Golightly is also in bad shape and needs to see the vet as soon as possible —hopefully, the vet will be able to see her today.

I need to take a break from everything and will return when things improve.

But for now, Holly needs me – and I need her.

Please remember to Never Give Up on your hopes and dreams!

Dedicated to Peter & Alice Hrehoruk, Preet and Winnie, and Holly Golightly

I hope my stories are a gift to your head and heart.

Hugs,

Danny

Today’s tune from Danny’s library (purchased):

(In my secret life)
(In my secret life)
(In my secret life)
(In my secret life)

I saw you this morning
You were moving so fast
Can’t seem to loosen my grip
On the past
And I miss you so much
And there’s no one in sight
And we’re still making love (oh-oh)
In my secret life
In my secret life

I smile when I’m angry
I cheat, and I lie
I do what I have to do
To get by
But I know what is wrong
And I know what is right
And I’d die for the truth (oh-oh)
In my secret life
In my secret life

Hold on, hold on, my brother
My sister, hold on tight
I finally got my orders
I’ll be marching through the morning
Marching through the night
Moving cross the borders
Of my secret life

Looked through the paper
Makes you want to cry (cry)
Nobody cares if the people
Live or die
And the dealer wants you thinking
That it’s either black or white
Thank God, it’s not that simple
In my secret life

I bite my lip
I buy what I’m told:
From the greatest hit
To the wisdom of old
But I’m always alone
And my heart is like ice
And it’s crowded and cold (oh-oh)
In my secret life
In my secret life
In my secret life
In my secret life
(In my secret life)
(In my secret life)
(In my secret life)
(In my secret life)

Songwriters: Leonard Cohen

Here’s a link to songs Danny is listening to now: Drowning in a Tub Full of Tunes