We would have possibily known him for his music and poetry, not for his many ill-fated wives.

Another of my favourite musical compositions has recently been highlighted as a selection of music for one of the Olympic skaters. It is Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez. It has a lovely soaring opening, a perfect selection for a skater.

We Canadians, renowned for our humble ways, have been a trifle overwhelmed as Olympic hosts. Possibly too successful as hosts?

The guests have been making off with the treasures. Small, even tiny countries have funded their athletes. Everyone is having a grand time while the host is busy in the kitchen, so to speak.

Even Peter Mansbridge of CBC fame was sidelined because CBC couldn’t come up with the big bucks in the bid for television rights.

In spite of several life-altering incidents, personal sorrows and heart-wrenching disappointments, our athletes are exhibiting Olympian sportsmanship. They are a credit to their families, and our country.

I’m pleased we are still able to carry on in our solid, thoughtful, polite, well-mannered way. No whining, please.

CBC radio continues to give their ‘snail mail’ address, not just e-mail. It is nice to think humans are at the office, opening letters. Some letters, perhaps, are hand written with return addresses. I have written to CBC radio folk and received phone calls, and thank you notes, F. R. Not for any reason other than that is just a common courtesy.

February is Black History Month, and we have, I trust, added to our store of knowledge because of it. Many years ago I learned there is a tiny church in Oakville, established during the American Revolution. This year I learned there are black communities with similar roots in Nova Scotia. New Scotland was also a haven for other folks fleeing oppression, some very recently.

That spirit of, “Why not?,” adventuring lives on. Just this week a group of 42 Canadian students, 17-year-old boys and girls set sail in a “tall ship,” full-rigged sailing ship, to sail the oceans of the world. Not as passengers, F. R., but as working crew. On their way home the ship was struck by foul weather off the coast of Brazil, South America. The ship capsized and sank. They spent 38 hours in life boats, wearing light clothing, without food or water, before being rescued.

Several students were interviewed as they arrived in Canada at the airport. They greeted parents as if they were merely arriving from summer camp in Muskoka. One girl was wearing only one shoe. Only the parents showed signs of stress. Our country’s future is in good hands. Let us hope we support their opportunity to continue an adventurous life, here…in Canada.

Everywhere I have travelled abroad young Canadians greeted me. We are generous, courteous hosts. We need to encourage our own youth to explore their country. Remember Katimavik? It was a splendid program. City youth to the country. Country youth to the city. French and English, north and south. Worth another generation’s opportunity?