With our rivers blown out again, I haven’t been able to fish. The next best thing: videos.

Above, is a very cool video from the Jensens, who seem to make annual trips to New Zealand. The fish are huge, the scenery is stunning, and their voiceovers are very interesting. They describe in real-time how they approach the water and hypothesize as to where the fish may be holding. I learned a lot. Fly fishing can offer lifelong learning.

We went to the Easter Vigil Mass last night, and it was a two-hour service complete with candles, the confirmation ceremony for some converts, and a lot of beautiful music.

Even if you’re not religious or spiritual, it is an interesting service because it connects us to our ancestors. They too made the same observances and participated in the same rituals hundreds of years ago, thousands of years ago. The same is true for Christmas, Passover, Diwali, the Lunar New Year, and Eid al-Fitr. Chances are, our great-grandparents lived more difficult lives than we do: they were probably struggling to survive.

I believe we can draw strength from our ancestors and feel inspired by their grit and persistence. After all, if they lived comfortable lives, they would not have emigrated to this amazing country of ours.

I gave up alcohol for Lent again and broke my fast last night with two drinks. This morning, it feels like two drinks too many!

A Happy Easter to all!