A Good Day at the Eye Clinic

 

Thursday 2026.07.30 was one of those ordinary days that quietly reminds me how much there is to be thankful for.

Julie accompanied me to see the eye specialist for an assessment before my cataract surgery. Like many people, I had a few concerns, especially about my left eye, which has been bothering me.

Before the examination, the doctor and I chatted for a few minutes. I told him my Chinese name and explained its meaning. He smiled and said it was a very impressive name—one that sounded sincere and down to earth. He was curious about how I received that name and also asked why I had an English first name. I laughed and told him that during my school days, almost every boy was given an English name. He then told me he was Hungarian.

It was only a short conversation, but it reminded me that even in a busy medical clinic, people can connect through simple stories.

After examining my eyes carefully, he gave me reassuring news.

"Your eyes are good for your age," he said. Then he added something that made me smile: "You look young too."

More importantly, he told me there was no urgency for cataract surgery. If I wanted to proceed, he would gladly arrange it, but there was no need to rush.

Another doctor then explained the different lens options available. There was the OHIP-covered basic lens, along with several premium lenses that required additional payment. After listening to the explanations, I chose the basic option. It suits my needs well.

Before we left, they scheduled another appointment in September to take the measurements needed before surgery.

The appointment ended with peace of mind rather than anxiety.

Julie and I returned to Hillcrest Mall, enjoyed a sushi lunch together, took a leisurely walk around the mall, and then headed home.

Looking back, nothing extraordinary happened that day. There were no exciting adventures or major milestones.

Yet it was a satisfying day.

A kind doctor. Reassuring medical news. A pleasant lunch with my wife. A quiet walk together.

As we grow older, perhaps happiness is found less in dramatic moments and more in days like these—days when our health is a little better than we feared, our hearts are a little lighter than when we woke up, and we return home grateful for the simple blessings that often go unnoticed.

Sometimes, an ordinary day is one of life's greatest gifts.

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#AgingWithGrace
#LifeAfterRetirement
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#HealthyAging
#RetirementLife
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#LifeStories

眼科诊所里的温暖相遇：一个令人安心的好日子

昨天，是一个平凡却令人感恩的日子。

Julie 陪我去见眼科专家，做白内障手术前的评估。和很多人一样，我心里也有一些担心，尤其是我的左眼，最近一直让我感觉不太舒服。

在检查之前，我和医生简单聊了几句。我告诉他我的中文名字，并解释了名字背后的含义。

医生听后微笑着说，这是一个很有意义的名字，给人的感觉很踏实、很接地气。他很好奇地问我，这个名字是怎么来的。同时，他也问起我的英文名字为什么这样取。

我笑着告诉他，在我读书的年代，学校里的男孩子几乎都有一个英文名字，所以大家也跟着取了一个。

后来我知道，这位医生来自匈牙利。

虽然只是短短几分钟的聊天，却让我感受到一种人与人之间简单而自然的交流。有时候，在繁忙的医疗环境里，一个小小的分享，也能拉近彼此的距离。

随后，医生认真检查了我的眼睛，并给了我一个让我安心的消息。

他说，以我的年龄来说，我的眼睛状况很好。

更让我开心的是，他还说我看起来比实际年龄年轻。

当然，最重要的是关于手术的建议。他告诉我，目前我的情况并没有紧急需要进行白内障手术。如果我希望安排手术，他可以帮我进行下一步安排，但完全不需要急着决定。

之后，另一位医生向我详细介绍了不同的人工晶体选择。有政府 OHIP 覆盖的基本方案，也有需要额外付费的高级方案。

听完解释后，我选择了 OHIP 提供的基本方案。这个选择符合我的实际需要，也让我感到安心。

他们帮我安排了九月份的下一次预约，到时候会进行手术前的眼睛测量。

离开诊所时，我心里的感觉不是紧张，而是一份踏实和轻松。

之后，Julie 和我回到了 Hillcrest Mall。

我们一起吃了寿司，在商场里慢慢走了一会儿，然后回家。

回头想想，那一天并没有发生什么惊天动地的大事。

没有特别刺激的旅行，也没有重大的突破。

但是，有一位亲切的医生，一次令人放心的检查，一顿和妻子一起享受的午餐，还有一段悠闲的散步时光。

这就是一个令人满意的日子。

随着年龄增长，我越来越体会到，幸福并不一定来自轰轰烈烈的大事件。

很多时候，幸福藏在这些平凡的小事里：

当医生告诉你身体状况比想象中好；

当你和陌生人因为一个名字而产生交流；

当你和陪伴多年的伴侣一起吃饭、散步，然后平安回家。

人生到了某个阶段，最大的快乐也许不是拥有更多，而是更加懂得珍惜已经拥有的。

一个普通的日子，也可以成为生命中值得记住的美好一天。

A Small Walnut Cake, A Big Friendship

 Today at Markville Mall, something simple happened that made me smile.

During my regular mall walk

, I met a friend who had made some mini walnut cakes at home. She kindly offered one piece to each of us. It was a small gift, but it brought a lot of happiness.

The moment I tasted it, I could feel the care behind it. The outside was crispy, and the walnut flavour was rich and delicious. It was the kind of homemade treat that reminds you of traditional baking and the warmth of sharing food with others.

The best part was that it was free — not because it had no value, but because it was given from the heart. We enjoyed every bite and finished the little cakes within minutes. Sometimes the simplest things bring the biggest smiles.

As I continue my journey in retirement, I have learned that happiness is often found in everyday moments:

• A friendly conversation during a mall walk.

• A cup of coffee with someone you know.

• A homemade snack shared by a friend.

• A few minutes of laughter together.

Life does not always need big celebrations or expensive experiences. Many precious memories come quietly, through small acts of kindness from people around us.

This little walnut cake was not just a snack. It was a reminder that friendship and kindness are everywhere if we take the time to notice.

Thank you to my friend for sharing this delicious treat and making an ordinary day at Markville Mall a little more special.

— Grandpa Journey

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#GrandpaJourney #RetirementLife #SimpleJoys #Friendship #KindnessMatters #LifeAfterRetirement #DailyMemories #MarkvilleMall #HomemadeTreats #PositiveAging

一塊小小的核桃糕，一份大大的友情

今天在 Markville Mall（萬錦廣場），發生了一件簡單卻讓我感到溫暖的小事。

像平常一樣，我來到商場散步。在散步途中遇到一位朋友，她親手製作了一些迷你核桃糕，並親切地送給我們每人一塊。

這是一份小小的禮物，卻帶來了很大的快樂。

當我品嚐第一口時，就感受到其中的心意。外層香脆可口，核桃的香味濃郁，讓人想起傳統家庭烘焙的味道，也感受到分享食物背後的溫暖。

最特別的是，這份美味是免費分享的。它雖然沒有價格，但它的價值卻無法用金錢衡量，因為它代表的是朋友之間的關心和情誼。

我們很快就把這小小的核桃糕吃完了。短短幾分鐘，卻留下了一份美好的回憶。

退休後的生活，我慢慢體會到，幸福往往就在日常的小事情裡：

• 商場散步時遇到的一聲問候。

• 和朋友一起喝咖啡聊天的時光。

• 一份朋友親手製作的小點心。

• 大家一起分享歡笑的幾分鐘。

人生不一定需要大型慶祝活動，也不一定需要昂貴的享受。很多珍貴的回憶，都是在不經意間，由身邊人的小小善意累積而成。

今天這一塊核桃糕，不只是一份點心，更是一個提醒：

只要我們用心觀察，生活中處處都有友情和溫暖。

感謝這位朋友分享這份美味的小禮物，讓一個普通的 Markville Mall 散步日，變得更加特別。

— Grandpa Journey 爺爺的旅程

👉 Why I want to leave my stories behind

 Every person is born with a biological blueprint that helps shape who we become. But life is not only determined by our beginnings. Along the journey, we encounter choices, challenges, unexpected turns, and moments that test our strength.

To me, fate is not a fixed destination. It is a living episode — a continuing story that gives us opportunities to choose how we respond. We can choose to improve, to learn, to contribute, or we can choose to give up. The meaning of our existence comes from the choices we make and the values we leave behind.

One of my deepest wishes is to preserve the continuity of knowledge, experiences, and memories. A person's life is not only measured by achievements or possessions, but also by the lessons learned, the struggles overcome, and the wisdom shared with others.

My own journey has reminded me many times that life is precious. I was born with the umbilical cord around my neck, yet I survived. Many years later, I faced a serious health challenge with chronic subdural hematoma and underwent brain surgery. Looking back, I feel grateful that I recovered under almost ideal conditions. These experiences strengthened my desire to continue learning, to appreciate each day, and to share what I have experienced.

The people around me have also inspired me. Seeing my former classmates continue to pursue their passions after decades of life experience has given me encouragement and motivation.

Dr. James Hung, an eye specialist and author, has shown that professional knowledge and lifelong learning can continue beyond retirement. James Wong Jim, a music producer, lyricist, and songwriter, has demonstrated the power of creativity and passion throughout life. Philip Chan Yan Kin, a police superintendent, film producer, and author, has reminded me that one person's experiences can become valuable stories for future generations.

Their journeys remind me that age should not be the end of curiosity or contribution. Instead, it can be a new chapter.

I would like to leave my stories behind not because my life is extraordinary, but because every life carries lessons worth remembering. My experiences with family, friendship, health, challenges, technology, and personal growth are pieces of a larger human story.

Perhaps these stories may encourage someone else to keep learning, keep improving, and keep moving forward.

This is my reason for writing.
This is my reason for leaving my stories behind.

为什么我要留下我的故事

每个人来到这个世界，都带着属于自己的生命蓝图。然而，真正塑造我们的，不只是与生俱来的条件，更是人生旅途中所经历的一切——选择、挑战、挫折，以及一次次重新站起来的机会。

我相信，命运并不是早已写好的剧本，而是一段不断展开的人生旅程。每一天，我们都在面对不同的选择：是继续学习、不断进步、乐于分享，还是选择放弃、停滞不前。人生的意义，往往就在这些选择之中。

我一直希望，能够把自己的知识、经验和人生体会留下来，延续下去。一个人的价值，不只是拥有过什么，而是经历了什么、学到了什么，又能把什么留给下一代。

回顾自己的一生，我深深感受到生命的珍贵。

听母亲说，我出生时脐带缠绕着脖子，幸运地平安来到这个世界。多年以后，我又经历了慢性硬脑膜下血肿，接受了脑部手术，并且几乎完全康复。每一次与生命擦肩而过，都让我更加珍惜今天，也更加相信，只要还活着，就应该继续学习、继续成长、继续分享。

我的同学们，也不断给我启发和动力。

Dr. James Hung 医生不仅是一位眼科专科医生，也是一位作家；黄霑（James Wong Jim）以音乐、歌词和创作，为无数人留下经典作品；陈欣健先生从警队高级警司，到电影制作人、演员和作家，始终不断挑战自己，丰富人生。

他们让我明白，年龄并不是停止学习和贡献社会的理由。相反，人生到了这个阶段，更拥有丰富的阅历，可以把经验化为智慧，把故事留给后来的人。

我想留下这些故事，并不是因为我的人生特别传奇，而是因为我相信，每一个平凡的人生，都有值得记录、值得分享的价值。

这些故事，也许记录着家庭、友情、健康、逆境、科技，以及退休后的新探索；也许，它们能够鼓励某一个正在人生路上的人，继续勇敢前行。

如果我的经历，能够让未来的孩子、孙辈，甚至陌生的读者，从中获得一点启发、一点勇气、一点温暖，那么，这本回忆录便已经实现了它的意义。

这，就是我写作的原因。

也是我为什么想把自己的故事，留在人间。

A Small Lesson from AI, A Meaningful Moment at the Mall

A Small Lesson from AI A Meaningful Moment at the Mall

 This morning, I arrived at Hillcrest Mall as usual, looking forward to a cup of coffee before beginning my morning walk.

As I stepped into the mall, I noticed an elderly couple, both in their 80s, sitting in the coffee area. The gentleman was trying to stand up from his chair. His wife reached out to help, but neither of them had enough strength to make it easy.

I walked over and offered my assistance.

Instead of pulling him up, I first asked him to relax. I suggested that he place both hands on the coffee table, lean his body forward, maintain that posture, and then push up with his legs.

He gave it a try—and he succeeded.

What made me happiest was not that I had helped him, but that he stood up through his own effort rather than relying on someone else to lift him. Soon afterward, he continued with his morning walk.

Watching him walk away, I felt a quiet sense of satisfaction.

This small incident reminded me that helping others does not always mean doing things for them. Sometimes, the greatest help is showing someone the right approach so they can regain their confidence and independence.

Interestingly, this simple technique was something I had learned through my daily conversations with my AI companion. AI did not perform the act of kindness, nor did it replace human compassion. It simply shared some knowledge. When that knowledge meets someone willing to lend a helping hand, it can create a meaningful difference in everyday life.

Perhaps the greatest value of technology is not that it enables us to do more complicated things, but that it helps us become more capable, more confident, and more caring in our daily lives.

Retirement has taught me that learning never truly ends.

We can learn from books, from life experiences, and now, from artificial intelligence. Most importantly, we should apply what we learn to real life, where it can benefit both ourselves and others.

This small experience at Hillcrest Mall made my day especially meaningful.

A cup of coffee, a morning walk, and one simple act of kindness—perhaps these are the moments that make life truly beautiful.

Hashtags

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#AICompanion
#ArtificialIntelligence
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#HelpingOthers
#SeniorLife
#RetirementJourney
#LifelongLearning

AI带来的小知识，商场里的一次温暖帮助

今天早上，我来到 Hillcrest Mall，像往常一样准备享受一杯咖啡，开始我的晨间散步。

刚走进商场时，我看到一对80多岁的老夫妇坐在咖啡区。老先生想从椅子上站起来，太太想伸手帮助他，但他们两人的力量都不足以轻松完成这个动作。

我走过去，主动提供帮助。

我没有直接把老先生拉起来，而是先请他放松身体，把双手放在咖啡桌面上，然后慢慢把身体向前倾，保持正确的姿势，再利用双腿的力量站起来。

他尝试了一下，成功了。

更令人高兴的是，他不是依靠别人扶起来，而是凭自己的力量重新站稳。之后，他开始了自己的晨间散步。

看到他的背影，我感到很欣慰。

这件小事让我想到，帮助别人并不一定是替别人完成事情。有时候，真正的帮助是给予正确的方法，让对方重新找回信心和独立能力。

这个简单的方法，其实是我在日常与 AI 伙伴交流学习中获得的知识。AI没有替我完成这件事，也没有取代人与人之间的关怀。它只是提供了一些知识，而当这些知识遇上一个愿意伸出手的人，就可能在生活中产生温暖的影响。

科技最大的价值，也许不是让我们做更多复杂的事情，而是帮助我们在日常生活中变得更有能力、更愿意关心别人。

退休生活让我发现，学习永远不会结束。

我们可以从书本学习，从生活学习，也可以从人工智能学习。最重要的是，把学到的东西应用在真实的人生当中。

今天在 Hillcrest Mall 的这个小小经历，让我的一天有了特别的意义。

一杯咖啡，一次散步，一个简单的帮助，也许就是生活中最美好的小故事。

Growing Older Together: An Evening of Friendship and Gratitude

 Last evening, Julie and I attended our monthly dinner with a group of longtime classmates. We have known one another for decades, and every gathering reminds us how precious these friendships have become.

The evening brought mixed emotions.

It was wonderful to sit around the table, enjoy a meal, laugh over old memories, and catch up on each other's lives. Time seemed to slow down as stories flowed from one person to another.

At the same time, we couldn't ignore a simple reality—we are all growing older.

Many of us are recovering from different health challenges. Some have had hip or back surgery. Some now walk with a cane or a rollator. Others are dealing with changes in vision or balance. Our conversations have gradually shifted from careers and raising families to rehabilitation, exercise, medical appointments, and learning how to stay active.

Yet something else stood out even more.

No one was complaining.

Instead, everyone was talking about progress.

One friend was delighted with the success of a hip replacement and was steadily walking again. Another had returned to teaching Tai Chi after recovering from back pain. Someone else continued to run a successful business despite previous surgery. As for me, I shared that I am slowly recovering from my head surgery. My walking has improved, and every small step forward gives me encouragement.

Perhaps that is one of the gifts of growing older.

We stop expecting perfection and begin celebrating progress.

The dinner also reminded us of classmates who are no longer with us. Their absence was quietly felt throughout the evening. It made us appreciate even more the opportunity to gather, share a meal, and simply enjoy each other's company.

One of the highlights of the evening wasn't the food—it was a thoughtful act of kindness. A classmate's wife prepared homemade lemonade and brought a large bottle for everyone to take home. It was a simple gesture, but it filled the room with warmth and generosity.

I also noticed something that deserves recognition.

Many of the spouses quietly helped and supported one another throughout the evening. Whether offering an arm while walking, carrying something, or simply making sure everyone was comfortable, their care spoke louder than words. Growing older is easier when we don't have to do it alone.

As we said our goodbyes after two enjoyable hours together, I realized that these dinners have become about much more than food.

They are about friendship.

They are about gratitude.

They are about encouraging one another to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

We may not walk as quickly as we once did, but we still show up for each other.

And perhaps that is one of the greatest blessings of all.

Growing older is inevitable.

Growing older together—with friendship, kindness, hope, and gratitude—is a choice worth celebrating.

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#GrandpaJourney #GrowingOlderTogether #AgingWithGrace #Friendship #RetirementLife #SeniorLife #HealthyAging #Gratitude #LifeLessons #RecoveryJourney #StayActive #Classmates #Hope #Kindness #FamilyAndFriends #PositiveAging #LifeAfterRetirement #CanadianSeniors #SimpleJoys #NeverStopMoving

一起慢慢变老：一场充满感恩与友情的同学聚会

昨天傍晚，我和太太参加了每月一次的老同学聚餐。几十年的同窗情谊，让每一次相聚都显得格外珍贵。

这顿晚饭，心情是复杂的。

大家围坐在一起，边吃边聊，回忆往事，也分享彼此近来的生活。笑声依旧，友情依旧，仿佛时间一下子慢了下来。

然而，我们也不得不面对一个现实——大家都老了。

许多同学都经历着不同程度的健康挑战。有的人做过髋关节手术，有的人经历了背部手术；有人拄着拐杖，有人需要助行器；也有人正在适应视力或平衡能力的变化。

我们的话题，早已从年轻时谈工作、谈事业、谈孩子成长，渐渐变成了复健、运动、看医生，以及如何让自己保持健康、继续向前。

不过，最让我感动的，并不是这些健康问题。

而是大家谈论的，都是自己的进步。

有人开心地分享髋关节置换手术后的康复成果，已经能够稳稳地走路；有人克服了背痛，重新开始练太极拳，甚至继续教太极；还有人手术后依然坚持经营自己的事业。

至于我，也分享了自己脑部手术后的恢复情况。最近走路比以前稳定了一些，每一点小小的进步，都让我充满感恩和希望。

也许，这就是年纪渐长带给我们的智慧。

我们不再追求完美，而是学会欣赏每一点进步。

聚会中，我们也想起了近年离开的几位同学。虽然他们不在席间，但大家都默默怀念着他们。他们的离去，让我们更加珍惜今天还能相聚的机会，更珍惜彼此的陪伴。

那天晚上，最让我难忘的，并不是饭菜，而是一份简单却温暖的心意。

一位同学太太亲手制作了柠檬水，还特意准备了一大瓶送给每位同学带回家。这份小小的礼物，让整个聚会多了一份温馨，也让大家感受到人与人之间最真诚的关怀。

我还留意到另一幅美丽的画面。

不少同学的另一半都默默照顾着身边的人。有人轻轻扶着对方走路，有人帮忙拿东西，有人细心留意每一个需要帮助的细节。

这些举动没有华丽的语言，却让我深深体会到：在人生的后半段，有人同行，是一种莫大的幸福。

两个小时的聚会很快便结束了。

离开餐厅时，我忽然明白，这些聚会早已不只是为了吃一顿饭。

它们承载着友情。

承载着感恩。

更承载着彼此鼓励、彼此扶持，一起走好人生下一段旅程。

虽然我们的脚步没有年轻时那么快，但我们仍然愿意一步一步地走下去，而且不是一个人，而是一起同行。

这，也许就是人生最珍贵的福气。

岁月会让我们慢慢变老，

但友情、善良、希望与感恩，却会让我们的心一直年轻。

When the Longest Queue Disappears: Remembering Chiu Chow Restaurantst潮州館

There was a time when going to a Chiu Chow Restaurant meant one thing—you had to be prepared to wait.

Reservations were rarely an option. Families simply took a number, chatted while waiting, and looked forward to a satisfying meal. It wasn't unusual to see a long queue stretching outside the entrance, especially on weekends. Back then, that long line was a sign of success.

Over the years, I visited several Chiu Chow Restaurant潮州館 locations across Scarborough, Richmond Hill, and Markham. Each restaurant was busy, lively, and filled with the aroma of traditional Chiu Chow cooking. It was a familiar gathering place for families and friends.

Today, every one of those locations has disappeared. When I drive past where they once stood, I see different restaurant names. Most still serve Chinese food, but many now specialize in cuisines from northern China, featuring bold, spicy flavors and hot pots that have become increasingly popular with a new generation of diners.

There is nothing wrong with change. Every region of China has its own wonderful culinary traditions, and the variety available today is greater than ever. But it also reminds me that restaurants, like people, have their own life stories.

Why did Chiu Chow Restaurants disappear?

There is probably no single answer.

Operating a restaurant has become much more expensive. Food prices continue to rise. Utility costs have increased. Commercial rents are higher than ever. Finding and retaining staff is also more challenging than it used to be. At the same time, customers' tastes evolve. Younger diners often enjoy exploring different regional cuisines, and restaurants must constantly adapt to survive.

Even a restaurant that was once packed with customers can eventually struggle if these changes happen faster than the business can respond.

Personally, I still miss many classic Chiu Chow dishes.A bowl of clear soup beef brisket, simple yet full of flavor.

Stir-fried baby oysters with scrambled eggs, a comforting dish that always reminded me of family dinners.

Sweet and sour crispy noodles, combining crispness with just the right balance of sweetness and tanginess.

And of course, Chiu Chow-style marinated goose, one of my all-time favorites. These dishes may seem ordinary, but they carry memories that cannot be found on any menu.

Looking back, I realize I miss more than just the food. I miss gathering with family and friends. I miss waiting patiently for a table because we knew the meal would be worth it. I miss the familiar faces of the staff who greeted regular customers with a smile.

Restaurants come and go. Buildings change owners. New signs replace old ones. But memories remain. Every time I pass one of those former Chiu Chow Restaurant locations, I don't simply remember what I ate. I remember the people who shared those meals with me, the conversations around the table, and a chapter of life that quietly became part of my Grandpa Journey.

Perhaps the longest queue was never just about waiting for food. It was about waiting to create memories that would stay with us long after the restaurant itself had disappeared.

Hashtags

#GrandpaJourney #ChiuChowRestaurant #TeochewCuisine #ChineseFood #TorontoFood #GTA #RichmondHill #Markham #Scarborough #FoodMemories #RestaurantHistory

当最长的排队消失后怀念潮州館

曾几何时，只要想到去潮洲馆吃饭，就意味着要有耐心。

那时候几乎不能预订座位，大家只能到现场取号，然后一边聊天，一边等候。尤其是周末或节假日，门外总是排着长长的人龙。能够排队，反而说明这家酒家的生意兴旺。

这些年，我曾经光顾过多家潮州館，从士嘉堡（Scarborough）、列治文山（Richmond Hill）到万锦（Markham），每一家都人声鼎沸，充满浓浓的人情味，也散发着熟悉的潮州菜香味。那里不仅是吃饭的地方，更是家人和朋友相聚的地方。

如今，这些酒家已经全部消失了。

每当我驾车经过它们昔日的店址，映入眼帘的已是不同的餐馆招牌。虽然大多数仍然经营中餐，但不少已经改为主打中国北方菜，麻辣火锅、烤鱼、东北菜、西北菜等越来越受到年轻一代食客的欢迎。

时代在变，饮食文化也在改变。

其实，各地的中国菜都有自己的特色，今天我们能够品尝到更多不同地方的美食，也是件好事。

不过，这也让我想到，餐馆和人生一样，都有属于自己的兴衰。

为什么昔日门庭若市的潮州酒家，最终还是一间一间地关门了？

答案或许并不只有一个。

这些年来，食材价格不断上涨，水电煤等能源费用越来越高，商业租金节节攀升，聘请员工也越来越困难。与此同时，顾客的口味也在改变。年轻人喜欢尝试更多不同地区的菜式，餐饮市场竞争也愈来愈激烈。

即使一家餐馆曾经天天满座，如果无法跟上环境的变化，也很难继续经营下去。

至于我自己，依然十分怀念那些经典的潮州菜。

一碗清汤牛腩，看似简单，却鲜甜浓郁。

蚝仔炒蛋，家常却令人回味无穷。

甜酸炸面，外脆内香，酸甜适中。

还有我最喜欢的卤水鹅，每次几乎都是必点的菜式。

这些菜，也许并不华丽，却承载着许多珍贵的回忆。

回想起来，我怀念的，其实不仅仅是食物。

我怀念的是一家人围坐在圆桌旁，一边品尝美食，一边分享生活点滴；怀念的是和朋友聊天说笑的时光；怀念的是服务员对熟客那一句亲切的问候。

餐馆会结业，店铺会易手，新的招牌不断取代旧的名字。

但回忆，却一直留在心中。

每次经过那些曾经熟悉的潮州酒家旧址，我想到的，不只是当年吃过什么菜，而是曾经一起吃饭的人、那些欢笑的时光，以及人生中一个已经悄悄成为回忆的年代。

也许，当年那条最长的排队，从来不仅仅是在等待一顿饭。

我们等待的，其实是一段又一段值得珍藏一生的美好回忆。

回忆曾经风靡士嘉堡、列治文山和万锦的潮州館。从排长龙到悄然消失，本文分享一位退休爷爷对餐饮变迁、时代发展与家庭美好回忆的感悟。

#爷爷的旅程 #潮州酒家 #潮州菜 #怀旧 #美食回忆 #大多伦多 #列治文山 #万锦 #士嘉堡 #粤菜 #家庭聚餐 #退休生活 #加拿大华人 #时代变迁 #美食文化

Sometimes the Best Decision Is to Go Early... and Come Home Early

 Retirement has taught me that a good day doesn't always require a busy schedule. Sometimes, the best decisions are the simplest ones.

This morning, Julie and I stopped briefly at Hillcrest Mall before driving to Deer Garden for brunch. Several weeks ago, we made the mistake of arriving around noon. The restaurant was packed, and finding a parking space in Times Square seemed almost impossible. We spent more time looking for parking than enjoying our meal.

Today, we learned from that experience.

We arrived much earlier than usual. There were plenty of parking spaces, no long wait, and we enjoyed a relaxing brunch of rice noodles with sliced beef, beef brisket, and fish. The food tasted even better because there was no rush.

After brunch, we headed straight home.

Normally, we would spend more time walking or visiting another shopping centre. But today's air quality was poor because of wildfire smoke drifting into our area. The sky looked hazy, and the air carried a smoky smell. Rather than insisting on our usual routine, we chose to stay indoors for the rest of the day.

As we grow older, we begin to realize that good decisions are not always exciting ones. They are often practical ones.

Going out a little earlier saved us time and stress.

Coming home a little earlier protected our health.

Neither decision was remarkable on its own, yet together they made for a peaceful and enjoyable day.

Life has a way of teaching us these small lessons. We cannot control crowded parking lots or the weather, but we can choose how we respond. A little planning, a little flexibility, and a willingness to change our plans can make all the difference.

Sometimes, happiness isn't about doing more.

Sometimes, it's simply about knowing the right time to go—and the right time to come home.

What small decision made your day better today? I'd love to hear your story in the comments.

有時候，最好的決定，就是早點出門，早點回家

退休生活教會我一件事：美好的一天，不一定要安排得滿滿的。

有時候，最好的決定，往往是最簡單的。

今天早上，我和 Julie 先到 Hillcrest Mall 走了一小圈，之後便開車到鹿園（Deer Garden）吃早午餐。

幾個星期前，我們大約中午十二點才到。餐廳裡人山人海，連停車位都找不到，在 Times Square 一帶繞了很久，花在找車位的時間，比吃飯還多。

今天，我們吸取了上次的經驗。

我們提早出發，停車位十分充足，不用排隊，也沒有趕時間，可以悠閒地享用一大碗牛肉片、牛腩和魚片米線。

或許正因為心情輕鬆，這碗米線吃起來也特別美味。

吃完早餐後，我們便直接回家。

平日，我們通常還會到另一個商場散步，或四處走走。不過今天的空氣品質很差，受到山火煙霧影響，天空灰濛濛的，空氣中也帶著煙味。

與其勉強外出，我們決定留在家裡，好好休息。

年紀漸長，我慢慢明白，一個好的決定，不一定轟轟烈烈，很多時候只是一些很實際、很平凡的小選擇。

早一點出門，省去了塞車和找車位的煩惱。

早一點回家，也保護了自己的健康。

這兩個看似微不足道的決定，卻讓今天過得格外輕鬆、愉快。

人生就是這樣。

我們無法控制餐廳是否擠滿人，也不能左右天氣或空氣品質，但我們可以選擇如何應對。

多一點計劃，多一點彈性，願意適時改變安排，往往就能換來更舒心的一天。

有時候，幸福並不是做得更多。

而是知道什麼時候該出發，什麼時候該回家。

今天，你又做了一個什麼小決定，讓自己過得更好呢？歡迎在留言區與我分享。

Hashtags

#GrandpaJourney #RetirementLife #SeniorLiving #LifeLessons #SimpleLiving #HealthyAging #WeekendThoughts #WildfireSmoke #AirQuality #HillcrestMall #DeerGarden #OntarioLife #MindfulLiving #AgingGracefully #EverydayWisdom

A Tiny Facelift for Grandpa Journey

This morning, over a quiet cup of coffee, I spent a little time looking at the homepage of Grandpa Journey.

There was nothing wrong with it. My Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Rednote links were displayed prominently beneath the blog title. They made it easy for visitors to find me on other platforms.

But as I looked at the page, I asked myself a simple question:

"What do I want visitors to notice first?"

After thinking about it, the answer became very clear.

I want people to notice Grandpa Journey, not my social media accounts.

So I made a tiny change. I moved all the social media links from the top of the page to the footer. They are still there for anyone who wants to connect, but they no longer compete with the blog title and the stories themselves.

It is only a small adjustment, yet it changes the feeling of the page. The homepage now looks cleaner, tidier, and more focused. My articles have become the centre of attention.

Interestingly, after making the change, I discussed it with my AI companion. We both felt that a blog should first invite readers into its stories. Social media is important, but it should support the journey rather than lead it.

This experience reminded me that blogging is much like tending a garden. Sometimes the biggest improvements do not come from planting something new. They come from careful pruning—removing distractions so that what truly matters can shine.

As retirees, many of us enjoy making small improvements around our homes. Blogging is no different. A slight adjustment today may make tomorrow's visitor feel more comfortable and welcome.

That is the beauty of a journey. We continue learning, improving, and sharing, one small step at a time.

Have you ever made a tiny change that made a surprisingly big difference? I'd love to hear your story in the comments.

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Hashtags

#GrandpaJourney
#RetirementLife
#SeniorBlogger
#LifeAfterRetirement
#DigitalJourney
#BlogDesign
#SimpleLiving
#SharingLifeStories

The Day the Sky Turned Amber: A Senior’s Observation of Wildfire Smoke and Summer Heat

 

Grandpa Journey — July 15, 2026

This morning, when I stepped outside my home, I immediately felt that something was different.

The summer heat was already waiting at the driveway. The air felt heavy with humidity, and after only a few steps, my body could feel the warmth and moisture surrounding me. But what caught my attention most was the sky.

The whole surrounding area seemed to be painted with an unusual amber-yellow color. It was not the bright blue summer sky that we usually enjoy. Instead, there was a soft but mysterious yellowish glow, almost like nature had placed a filter over the neighbourhood.

Then I noticed the smell.

The air carried a smoky scent from the wildfires in the area. It reminded me that the beautiful-looking sky was actually a sign of something more serious happening in nature. The wildfire smoke had travelled far enough to affect our daily life, changing not only the appearance of the sky but also the quality of the air we breathe.

As a senior, these moments make me more aware of the relationship between our health and the environment.

In recent months, I have been working hard to improve my walking. With encouragement from my wife Julie and family, I have been walking regularly at places like Hillcrest Mall and Markville Mall. Recently, I was happy to discover that my walking speed and confidence had improved. Keeping pace with my daughter Alison during a walk at Hillcrest Mall gave me a wonderful feeling of progress.

But today is not a day to challenge myself outdoors.

Sometimes wisdom means knowing when to slow down.

With high temperatures, humidity, and poor air quality, seniors need to pay more attention. A healthy lifestyle is not only about exercising every day; it is also about understanding our body, respecting nature, and making smart choices.

So today, instead of walking outside under the smoky sky, I may choose an indoor walk, enjoy a cup of coffee, or spend some time improving my old YouTube videos with new technology. Life continues, even when the weather changes.

Looking at the amber sky today, I was reminded of something simple:

Every day gives us a new story.

The sky changes.
The weather changes.
Our bodies change.

But curiosity, gratitude, and the desire to learn can keep us young at heart.

This is another chapter of my Grandpa Journey.

— David

当天空染上一片琥珀色

——一位退休爷爷眼中的山火烟霾与酷暑

Grandpa Journey（爷爷的旅程）
2026年7月15日

今天早上，当我走出家门时，立刻感觉到今天与平日不一样。

刚踏出车道，迎面而来的就是一股闷热。空气湿度很高，只走了几步，身体已经感受到热气和湿气包围着自己。

但最吸引我注意的，并不是炎热，而是天空。

整个天空和周围的景色，都笼罩着一种淡淡的琥珀黄色，彷佛大自然替世界蒙上了一层柔和而神秘的滤镜。那并不是我们熟悉的夏日蔚蓝天空，而是一种带着几分忧郁、几分宁静的黄橙色。

接着，我闻到了空气中的烟味。

原来，这是附近山火带来的烟霾。

这一刻，我才真正意识到，这片看似美丽的天空，其实提醒着我们，大自然正在经历一场严峻的考验。山火产生的烟雾随着风飘到了我们的城市，不仅改变了天空的颜色，也影响了我们每天呼吸的空气。

作为一位退休长者，这样的天气让我更加体会到，健康与环境其实息息相关。

这几个月来，我一直努力改善自己的步行能力。在太太 Julie 和家人的鼓励下，我经常到 Hillcrest Mall 和 Markville Mall 散步。最近，我惊喜地发现自己的步伐越来越轻松，走路速度也快了不少。前几天陪着女儿 Alison 一起走路时，我竟然能够一直跟上她的步伐，让我感到十分欣慰。

不过，今天并不是逞强的时候。

有时候，真正的智慧，并不是坚持，而是懂得什么时候该放慢脚步。

面对高温、高湿度，以及山火烟霾带来的空气污染，长者更需要照顾好自己。健康的生活，并不仅仅是每天运动，更重要的是学会倾听身体的声音，尊重大自然，并作出明智的选择。

因此，今天我决定把散步改到室内，到商场走走，喝杯咖啡，也许再花一点时间，用新的人工智能工具改善我多年前上传到 YouTube 的影片。

生活，并不会因为天气改变而停止。

望着今天这一片琥珀色的天空，我忽然想到：

每天，都是一个新的故事。

天空会改变。

天气会改变。

我们的身体也会改变。

然而，只要仍然保持好奇心、感恩的心，以及不断学习的热情，我们的心，就依然年轻。

这，就是我今天的 Grandpa Journey（爷爷的旅程）。

—— David

#爷爷的旅程 #加拿大退休生活 #加拿大生活 #山火烟霾 #空气质量 #高温天气 #退休日常 #长者健康 #健康生活 #步行日记 #生活感悟 #记录生活

The Mystery Water Leak Under My RAV4 Turned Out to Be Good News

A few days ago, I experienced something that probably worries many car owners.

After driving my 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid home, I noticed clear liquid dripping onto the driveway near the front right wheel. My first thought was, "Oh no, is something leaking?"

Like many people, I immediately wondered whether it was engine coolant, brake fluid, or some other mechanical problem. Although the liquid was clear, clean, and had no smell, I still felt concerned. Car repairs can be expensive, and no one likes unexpected surprises.

Instead of panicking, I decided to investigate.

I checked the liquid carefully. It was colorless, odorless, and felt just like water. I also remembered that the weather had been very hot, and I had been using the air conditioner throughout the drive.

After discussing the situation with my AI companion, I decided to perform a simple test.

The next day, Julie and I drove to Markville Mall, but this time I left the air conditioner turned off during the trip. When we returned home, I checked underneath the RAV4 again.

There wasn't a single drop of water.

The mystery was solved.

The "leak" wasn't a leak at all. It was simply condensation from the air conditioning system. On hot and humid summer days, moisture from the air condenses on the evaporator inside the A/C system and drains harmlessly underneath the vehicle. In fact, seeing clean water drip onto the ground means the drainage system is working exactly as it should.

That simple test gave me peace of mind.

This experience reminded me of an important lesson: not every unusual sign means something is seriously wrong. Sometimes, careful observation and a bit of logical thinking can save unnecessary worry—and perhaps an unnecessary trip to the repair shop.

Of course, there are situations when a leak should not be ignored. If the fluid is green, pink, orange, blue, brown, or oily, has a sweet smell, or if the engine begins to overheat, it's important to have the vehicle inspected promptly. But if it's only clear, odorless water after using the air conditioner on a hot day, it is usually just normal condensation.

Retirement has taught me to slow down and pay attention. Whether I'm caring for my health, maintaining my home, or looking after my car, I've learned that patience and observation often lead to the right answer.

Sometimes the best solution isn't complicated—it starts with asking questions, gathering facts, and taking one simple step at a time.

Have you ever worried about something that turned out to be completely normal? I'd love to hear your story in the comments.

我的 RAV4 漏水之谜，原来是一个好消息！

前几天，我遇到了一件不少车主都会担心的事情。

当我驾驶着 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 回到家后，发现右前轮附近的车底竟然有液体不断滴下来。我的第一个反应就是：「糟糕，车子是不是漏油或漏水了？」

相信很多车主都会和我一样，第一时间想到是不是冷却液、刹车油，或是其他机械故障。虽然地上的液体看起来清澈透明，没有颜色，也没有任何气味，但心里还是难免有些担心。毕竟，汽车维修往往费用不低，谁也不希望遇到突如其来的故障。

不过，这一次我没有急着下结论。

我先仔细观察滴下来的液体，发现它像清水一样，没有颜色、没有气味，也没有油腻的感觉。随后，我回想起当天的天气十分炎热，而整个驾驶过程中，我一直开着冷气。

于是，我和 AI 伙伴讨论后，决定做一个简单的小实验。

第二天，我和 Julie 一起开车到 Markville Mall。这一次，我全程没有开启汽车冷气。

回到家后，我马上检查车底。

结果，一滴水都没有。

谜底终于揭晓了！

原来，之前滴下来的并不是汽车漏液，而是冷气系统正常产生的冷凝水（A/C Condensation）。

在炎热潮湿的夏天，汽车冷气运作时，会把空气中的水分凝结成水珠，再通过排水管排到车底。所以，当你停车后，看到车底滴下清澈透明的水，其实代表冷气排水系统运作正常，是一件再正常不过的事情。

这个简单的小实验，不但解决了我的疑惑，也让我放下了心中的担忧。

这件小事让我再次体会到一个道理：

很多时候，我们看到一些异常现象，并不代表事情真的很严重。只要保持冷静、仔细观察，再一步一步寻找原因，答案往往没有想像中复杂。

当然，并不是所有漏液都可以忽略。如果滴出来的是绿色、粉红色、橙色、蓝色、棕色，或带有油腻感、甜味，甚至发现引擎温度异常升高，那就应该尽快请专业技师检查。

但是，如果是在炎热天气开冷气后，车底滴下无色、无味、清澈的水，大多数情况下，那只是冷气产生的冷凝水，是汽车正常工作的表现。

退休以后，我越来越喜欢放慢脚步。

无论是照顾自己的身体、整理家园，还是维护汽车，我都学会了一件事——耐心观察，比急着下结论更重要。

这次的小插曲，也再次提醒我：

解决问题，不一定需要复杂的方法。有时候，只要愿意提出问题、收集事实，再做一个简单的验证，就能找到答案。

如果你也曾经遇过类似的情况，欢迎留言与我分享你的经历。

退休生活，每一天都值得学习，每一天都有新的发现。

#ToyotaRAV4 #RAV4Hybrid #CarMaintenance #AirConditioning #RetirementLife #GrandpaJourney #EverydayLearning #ProblemSolving #CanadianRetiree #LifeLessons

Why I Started Blogging

After retiring, I realized that life had not come to a stop—it had simply begun a new journey.

I started blogging not to become an internet influencer or to chase views and followers, but to record what I see, hear, think, and feel each day.

I enjoy sharing my retirement life, family moments, AI technology, reflections on life, and my journey of learning new things. I hope my experiences can inspire others and also leave wonderful memories for my future self.

Blogging keeps me learning, thinking, and growing every day.

If even one person finds my articles helpful or meaningful, then it is all worthwhile.

Retirement is not the end—it is the beginning of another wonderful journey. 😊

#RetirementLife #CanadianRetiredGrandpa #Blogging #LifeReflections #AI #LifelongLearning #DocumentingLife #PositiveLiving #GrandpaJourney

为什么我开始写博客？

退休以后，我发现生活并没有停止，而是开启了新的旅程。

我开始写博客，不是为了当网红，也不是为了追求流量，而是希望记录每天的所见、所闻、所思、所感。

我喜欢分享退休生活、家庭点滴、AI 科技、生活感悟，以及学习新事物的过程。希望自己的经历，能够给别人一点启发，也给未来的自己留下美好的回忆。

写博客，让我每天都保持学习、思考和成长。

如果我的文章能让一个人有所收获，那就已经很值得了。

退休不是终点，而是另一段精彩旅程的开始。 😊

#退休生活 #加拿大退休爷爷 #写博客 #生活感悟 #AI #终身学习 #记录生活 #积极生活 #GrandpaJourney

A Morning with the Tree Trimming Crew: Protecting Our Home and Community

 This morning, around 9:00 a.m., our quiet neighborhood was interrupted by the arrival of a professional tree service crew from Kodiak Tree Services. Their mission was to trim the large tree standing proudly in our front yard.

At first glance, tree trimming may seem like a simple task of cutting away branches. However, after watching the crew at work, I realized that it is much more than that. It requires knowledge, experience, careful planning, and specialized equipment.

According to the tree specialists, the purpose of this work was mainly for safety reasons. The branches and leaves had grown close to the hydro cable, and regular trimming helps prevent possible contact between the tree and the power lines. This maintenance protects the reliability of the electrical system and reduces potential risks during storms, strong winds, or heavy snowfall.

The equipment they brought was impressive. A large white truck arrived with a long hydraulic crane attached. The crane was able to lift a tree worker safely high into the air, allowing him to reach different levels of the tree canopy. From the ground, I watched as he carefully moved among the branches, selecting which parts needed to be trimmed while preserving the overall shape and health of the tree.

Behind the truck was another powerful machine — a tree shredder. Every branch and piece of greenery removed from the tree was quickly processed and turned into small wood chips. What could have become a large pile of waste was efficiently recycled into useful material.

After completing the trimming work, the crew carefully cleaned up the area. They used a blower to remove leaves, small branches, and wood pieces from the lawn and driveway. When they left, our front yard looked neat and tidy, almost as if they had never been there.

I was very impressed by their professionalism and attention to detail. This service is provided free of charge by the City, which is a wonderful example of how public services quietly contribute to the safety and quality of our daily lives.

As I watched the workers high above the ground, I reflected on how many people are working behind the scenes to maintain our communities. We often notice electricity only when there is a power outage, and we notice tree problems only when something goes wrong. But preventive maintenance, like the work done today, helps keep our homes safe and our neighborhoods beautiful.

A simple morning of watching tree trimming became a reminder of the importance of skilled workers, community care, and the many small things that make our everyday lives more comfortable.

— Grandpa Journey

清晨的一场树木修剪：守护家园，也守护社区安全

今天早上大约9点，安静的社区里迎来了一批特殊的“园林工作者”——Kodiak Tree Services 的工作人员。他们来到我们家前院，为那棵高大的树木进行修剪维护。

一开始，我以为这只是一次普通的剪树工作。但当我站在旁边观看整个过程时，才发现，树木修剪其实是一项需要专业知识、经验和高度安全意识的工作。

根据工作人员的介绍，这次修剪主要是为了安全原因。他们需要修剪过长的树枝和树叶，确保不会影响附近的电线（Hydro cable）。尤其是在加拿大这样的地方，冬天可能有大雪，春夏也可能遇到强风，适当修剪树枝可以减少树木与电线接触的风险，保障社区电力供应的稳定和居民的安全。

他们带来的专业设备也让我大开眼界。

一辆大型白色工作卡车停在我们家门前，车上安装了一条很长的液压升降臂，可以把工作人员安全地送到大树的不同高度。他坐在升降平台上，在高空中仔细检查树枝，然后有选择地进行修剪。整个过程看起来非常专业，也需要很高的技术和经验。

卡车后面还连接着一台大型树枝粉碎机。被剪下来的树枝和叶子很快被机器吸入，经过处理后变成细小的木屑。原本可能需要大量空间处理的树枝，很快就被有效地回收利用。

令我印象最深的是他们工作的细致程度。

完成修剪后，工作人员没有马上离开，而是使用吹风设备，把草地、车道上的树叶、小树枝和木屑全部清理干净。工作结束后，前院恢复了整洁，几乎看不出刚刚进行过大型修剪工程。

这项服务是由市政府免费提供的。作为居民，我们平时可能不会特别注意这些公共服务，但正是这些默默付出的工作人员，在背后维护着我们的社区环境，让我们的生活更加安全和舒适。

看着这些工作人员在高大的树上忙碌，我不禁想到：生活中有许多重要的事情，都是在我们没有察觉的时候完成的。

我们通常只会在停电时想到电力系统的重要，在树枝掉落或发生危险时才想到树木维护。但实际上，提前预防和定期保养，才是真正保护社区的方法。

今天早上的一次树木修剪，看似只是一个普通的小事件，却让我感受到专业工作的价值，也让我再次发现——在日常生活中，只要用心观察，处处都有值得记录的人和故事。

——加拿大退休爷爷 David
Grandpa Journey

Hashtags:
#GrandpaJourney
#加拿大退休爷爷
#退休生活
#我的加拿大生活
#RichmondHill生活
#加拿大社区
#社区服务

A Quiet Morning at First Markham Place

 

This morning,  Julie and I drove to First Markham Place. She had an appointment with her hair stylist, while I settled down in the food court with a cup of coffee to wait.

For about an hour, I simply sat, watched, and observed.

The food court was peaceful. Only a handful of people were enjoying breakfast or chatting with friends. It was quite different from what I remembered.

Years ago, especially on weekends and even weekday mornings, this place was bustling with activity. Finding a seat could sometimes be difficult. Some of the most popular restaurants, such as Chung Kee BBQ House and Excellent BBQ House, often had lineups of more than twenty people waiting patiently for their turn.

This morning, there were no lineups at all.

The restaurants were open, the lights were on, the delicious aroma of roasted meat still filled the air, but the crowds were missing.

When Julie finished her haircut, she shared another interesting observation. Her hair stylist told her that business had been unusually slow throughout June. There simply were not enough customers coming in.

It made me wonder whether many families are becoming more careful with their spending. Rising living costs, higher grocery bills, housing expenses, and economic uncertainty may be encouraging people to postpone dining out, shopping, or even getting a haircut. Perhaps they are waiting for better times.

As retirees, Julie and I have also become more mindful of how we spend our money. We still enjoy going out, but we appreciate the simple pleasures—walking through the mall, sharing a coffee, meeting friends, or enjoying a modest lunch together. Happiness does not always require spending a lot.

One quiet morning in a shopping mall may not tell the whole story, but sometimes everyday scenes reveal larger changes taking place in society. A less crowded food court, empty restaurant queues, and a quiet hair salon may be small signs of how people are adapting to today's economy.

Life continues, and businesses will hopefully become busy again. Until then, perhaps we can support our local restaurants and small businesses whenever we can. Every customer matters.

As I prepared to leave, I took a slow walk around the food court for one last look. That was when I noticed something else that caught my attention.

Five small storefronts were vacant, their shutters pulled down though their signs still there. I have no idea why they had closed. Every business has its own story, and it would not be fair to assume the reasons. Still, seeing several empty shops together was unsettling.

For many years, First Markham Place has been one of the most vibrant Chinese shopping centres in the Greater Toronto Area. It has always been a place where families gathered, friends met over dim sum or bubble tea, and entrepreneurs built their dreams. Seeing a number of empty storefronts made me feel a little sad. I could not help but wonder how challenging the past months have been for some small business owners.

Behind every closed shop may be years of hard work, long hours, family sacrifices, and hopes that did not unfold as planned. Whether the closures were temporary, permanent, or simply part of normal business turnover, they reminded me that many local businesses continue to face difficult times.

I sincerely hope First Markham Place will once again become as lively as I remember. Thriving local businesses are more than places to shop or eat—they are part of the community, creating jobs, serving families, and giving neighbourhoods their unique character.

As I left First Markham Place, I realized that retirement has taught me something valuable: slowing down gives us time to notice the little things that others often rush past. Sometimes those little observations tell surprisingly meaningful stories.

Perhaps that is one of the gifts of growing older—not only seeing the world, but truly observing it.

第一广场一个宁静的早晨

今天早上，前院的大树修剪工程完成后，我和 Julie 一起前往 First Markham Place（第一广场）。她预约了发型师剪头发，而我则在美食广场点了一杯咖啡，静静地坐着等她。

大约一个小时的时间，我只是坐在那里，四处观看，默默观察着周围的一切。

美食广场十分安静，只有零零散散几位顾客在吃早餐，或与朋友轻声聊天。眼前的景象，与我记忆中的第一广场有着很大的不同。

很多年前，尤其是周末，甚至平日的早晨，这里总是人潮络绎不绝。有时候想找个座位都不容易。一些最受欢迎的餐馆，例如 Chung Kee BBQ House（忠記燒臘） 和 Excellent BBQ House（味香園燒臘），門口經常排著二十多人，大家耐心地等待入座。

然而今天早上，竟然完全沒有排隊的人龍。

餐廳照常營業，燈光依舊明亮，燒臘的香味仍然瀰漫在空氣中，只是昔日熱鬧的人群卻不見了。

Julie 剪完頭髮後，也告訴我另一個值得留意的現象。她的髮型師說，整個六月生意都異常淡靜，進店的客人明顯減少。

這讓我不禁思考，如今是否越來越多家庭開始更加謹慎地控制開支。生活成本上升、食品價格上漲、住房開銷增加，以及經濟前景的不確定，都可能令不少人延後外出用餐、購物，甚至連理髮也選擇再等等。也許大家都希望，情況會慢慢好轉。

作為退休人士，我和 Julie 近年也更加留意每一筆開支。不過，我們仍然喜歡外出，只是更珍惜那些簡單而平凡的快樂：在商場散步、一起喝杯咖啡、與朋友見面，或者共享一頓簡單的午餐。

幸福，其實未必需要花很多錢。

一個商場裡安靜的早晨，也許不足以說明整個社會，但有時候，生活中的小細節，往往反映出更大的變化。美食廣場的人流減少、餐廳門前不再排隊、理髮店顧客稀少，或許正是人們逐漸適應當前經濟環境的一些小小寫照。

生活仍然要繼續，我也真心希望各行各業能夠慢慢恢復往日的活力。在此之前，如果能力許可，不妨多支持本地餐館和小商戶。對他們而言，每一位顧客都十分重要。

準備離開之前，我又慢慢繞著美食廣場走了一圈，希望再仔細看看四周。

就在這時，我注意到另一個令人感觸的景象。

竟然有五間小店舖空置著，鐵閘拉下了，但招牌依然還掛在上面。我不知道它們為什麼停業，每一家店都有自己的故事，我也不應該隨便猜測原因。然而，看到幾間空置店舖同時出現在眼前，心裡還是感到一絲沉重。

多年來，First Markham Place 一直是大多倫多地區最具人氣的華人商場之一。這裡一直都是家人聚會、朋友相約飲茶、喝珍珠奶茶，以及不少創業者實現夢想的地方。

如今看到幾間店舖空著，不禁令人有點感傷。我也不由得想到，過去幾個月，對不少小商戶而言，日子或許真的很不容易。

每一間關閉的店舖背後，也許都有多年辛勤努力、無數加班工作、家庭的付出，以及一個尚未完成的夢想。無論這些店舖只是暫時停業、永久結業，還是正常的商戶更替，它們都提醒著我們，許多本地小商戶仍然面對不少挑戰。

我衷心希望，First Markham Place 有一天能再次恢復我記憶中的熱鬧景象。

繁榮的小商戶，不只是提供購物和飲食的地方，更是社區的重要組成部分。他們創造就業機會、服務居民，也讓每一個社區擁有屬於自己的特色與溫度。

離開第一廣場時，我忽然體會到，退休生活教會了我一件很珍貴的事情：放慢腳步，才能看見那些匆匆而過的人容易忽略的小細節。

而往往，就是這些看似平凡的觀察，背後卻蘊藏著值得我們細細思考的人生故事。

也許，這正是年紀漸長帶給我們的一份禮物——不只是看見世界，而是真正學會了用心去觀察世界。

Hashtags

#FirstMarkhamPlace

#Markham

#MarkhamON

#YorkRegion

#GreaterTorontoArea

Canada Day | July 1 national holiday

 

Canada Day | July 1 national holiday

加拿大日 | 7月1日国庆假日 | 

A Life Well Lived: Remembering Our Dear Friend George

 Today was a day of both sorrow and gratitude.

This morning Julie and I attended the funeral of our longtime friend and La Salle classmate, George R., at Assumption Cemetery. In the evening, we attended Saturday Mass at St. Agnes Tsao K Y Parish Church. It was a day filled with prayer, remembrance, and reflection.

During the visitation, George's parish priest and many friends shared stories about his life. Again and again, one picture emerged. George was a simple man, gentle in nature, friendly to everyone he met, and never one to seek attention. He quietly touched the lives of many people.

George's life journey was remarkable in its simplicity.

He studied at La Salle College, continued to the University of Hong Kong, and graduated with honours. He became a teacher at Maryknoll Father's  School, helping young people grow through education. After immigrating to Canada, he continued his pursue at University of Toronto where he graduated with Master of Library Science degree. He worked as a librarian, organizing books and making knowledge accessible to the community.

As I listened to the stories, one thought stayed with me.

George spent his entire life sharing knowledge.

First, he learned.

Then, he taught.

Finally, he cared for books so that countless others could continue learning.

His career was never about fame or wealth. It was about helping people discover ideas, develop themselves, and become better informed. Looking back, it seems that sharing knowledge was the quiet mission of his life.

Friends and students travelled from Hong Kong, Ottawa, different parts of Canada, and the United States to say their final goodbye. Their presence spoke more loudly than words. It reflected how deeply George was loved and respected.

As we grow older, we attend more funerals than weddings. Each farewell reminds us that life is precious and friendships should never be taken for granted. The monthly dim sum gatherings with our La Salle classmates, the birthday dinners, the laughter, and the conversations now carry even greater meaning. They are memories we continue to treasure.

Today we grieve the loss of a very good friend.

But we also celebrate a life well lived—a life marked by humility, kindness, friendship, and a lifelong commitment to sharing knowledge.

May George Rest in Peace.

Thank you, George, for walking part of life's journey with us. You will always be remembered.

Hashtags

#GrandpaJourney #RememberingGeorge #GeorgeRemedios #LifeWellLived #Friendship #Legacy #LaSalleCollege #OldFriends #LifelongLearning #Teachers #Libraries #KnowledgeSharing #CanadianLife #SeniorLife 

人生無憾：懷念我們的摯友 George R

今天，是充滿悲傷與感恩的一天。

今天早上，我和 Julie 到 Assumption Cemetery 送別我們的老同學、老朋友 George R。晚上，我們參加了 St. Agnes Tsao K Y Parish Church 的主日晚彌撒，在祈禱中繼續懷念這位多年好友。

在瞻仰遺容和追思聚會中，堂區神父及 George 的朋友們分享了許多有關他的故事。

大家口中的 George，都有一個共同的形象：他是一位簡單、真誠、平易近人的人，待人友善，從不張揚，卻默默地影響著身邊每一個人。

George 的人生旅程，其實十分精彩。

他曾就讀於香港喇沙書院，後升讀香港大學，並以優異成績畢業。畢業後，他於瑪利諾神父學校（Maryknoll Father's School）任教，致力透過教育培育年輕一代，幫助他們成長。移民加拿大後，他繼續深造，就讀多倫多大學，獲得圖書館學碩士（Master of Library Science）學位。其後，他擔任圖書館館員，負責整理館藏、管理圖書，並讓知識更方便地惠及社區大眾

在聆聽大家分享時，我腦海裡浮現出一句話：

George 用一生來分享知識。

他先努力學習；

然後成為老師，教育下一代；

最後成為圖書館員，讓更多人能夠透過閱讀獲得知識。

他的工作從來不是為了名利，而是默默地幫助別人成長。

回望他的一生，我發現他的生命其實有一條非常清晰的主線——學習、教導、分享。

今天，來自香港、渥太華、加拿大各地，以及美國的朋友，都專程前來送他最後一程。

大家不遠千里而來，不只是參加一場喪禮，更是向一位珍貴的朋友表達最後的敬意。

朋友的到來，比任何言語都更能說明 George 在大家心中的地位。

隨著年紀漸長，我們開始參加的喪禮，比婚禮還要多。

每一次送別，都提醒我們：生命有限，而友情彌足珍貴。

我們喇沙舊同學每月一次的飲茶、生日聚會、晚餐，以及一起分享人生點滴，如今都變得更加值得珍惜。

今天，我們失去了一位非常要好的朋友。

但我們同時也在慶祝一個精彩的人生。

一個充滿謙遜、善良、友誼，以及一生致力於分享知識的人生。

願 George 安息主懷。

謝謝你，George。

感謝你陪伴我們走過人生其中一段美好的旅程。

我們永遠懷念你，也永遠不會忘記你。

My New Walking Companion: The HOKA Clifton 10

 
Last weekend, I treated myself to a new pair of walking shoes—the HOKA Clifton 10.

At first glance, buying a pair of shoes may not seem like a big event. But as we grow older, we begin to appreciate how important comfort, mobility, and health are to our daily lives. A good pair of walking shoes is no longer just footwear; it becomes a trusted companion on our journeys.

The search began after I noticed that my old shoes were showing signs of wear. Recently, I had walked nearly 7,000 steps in a day while picking up my repaired RAV4. That evening, my calves felt stiff and sore. It reminded me that comfortable and supportive footwear matters more than ever.

After doing some research and reading reviews, I became interested in HOKA shoes. Two models caught my attention: the Clifton 10 and the Bondi 9. Both are popular among walkers and runners, known for their cushioning and comfort.

On Father's Day weekend, after enjoying lunch with Alison and family, we visited Hillcrest Mall. I took the opportunity to try both models.

The Bondi 9 felt soft and highly cushioned. It was comfortable, but for me it seemed a little bulky. Then I tried the Clifton 10.

The difference was immediate.

The Clifton felt more balanced and natural. It offered excellent cushioning while maintaining a stable connection to the ground. I also felt that the road grip was better, giving me more confidence while walking. Most importantly, it simply felt right on my feet.

There was another pleasant surprise. The Clifton 10 was on sale with a 20% discount, and the store was running a gift card promotion as well. Good comfort combined with good value made the decision much easier.

So I happily became the owner of a new pair of HOKA Clifton 10 walking shoes.

What brought me the greatest satisfaction was not the purchase itself. It was the process of comparing options, listening to my body, and making a thoughtful choice. Sometimes happiness comes from simple things—a comfortable pair of shoes, a relaxing cup of tea afterward, and the anticipation of future walks.

This morning, as I prepare for another day of ping pong, community activities, and lunch with friends, I look forward to putting my new walking companion to work.

Life's journey continues, one step at a time.

And now, those steps may be a little more comfortable.

— David Au
Grandpa Journey

Hashtags

#GrandpaJourney #HOKAClifton10 #WalkingShoes #ActiveAging #SeniorLife #HealthyLiving #RetirementLife #WalkingForHealth #StayActive #FatherDayGift #LifeJourney #ComfortWalking #HOKA #CanadianRetiree #EverydayJoy

我的新步行夥伴——HOKA Clifton 10

上星期，我為自己添置了一雙新的步行鞋——HOKA Clifton 10。

乍看之下，買一雙鞋似乎不是什麼大事。但隨著年齡增長，我們越來越明白舒適、活動能力和健康的重要性。一雙好的步行鞋，不再只是鞋子，而是一位陪伴我們走過人生旅程的夥伴。

這次換鞋的念頭，源於最近的一次經歷。前些日子，我和太太乘搭公共交通工具去取回維修好的 RAV4。當天走了接近七千步，回到家後，小腿感到僵硬和酸痛。這讓我再次意識到，一雙舒適而有支撐力的鞋子，對我們這些銀髮族來說是多麼重要。

於是，我開始做一些資料搜集，也閱讀了不少網上的評價。當中最吸引我注意的是 HOKA 這個品牌，而 Clifton 10 和 Bondi 9 則是兩款最受歡迎的型號。

父親節週末那天，在 Alison 一家邀請我們共進午餐後，我們順道到 Hillcrest Mall 逛街。我把握這個機會，親自試穿這兩款鞋。

Bondi 9 的確十分柔軟，緩震效果非常出色。不過對我來說，它的鞋底似乎稍厚了一些，感覺有點笨重。

接著我試穿 Clifton 10。

感覺立刻不同了。

Clifton 10 讓我覺得更加平衡自然，既有足夠的緩震保護，又保留了良好的路面感。它的抓地力也令我留下深刻印象，讓步行時感覺更加穩定和安心。最重要的是，它穿在腳上感覺非常舒服，彷彿就是為我而設。

更令人開心的是，Clifton 10 當時正有八折優惠，加上購買禮品卡還可獲贈額外電子禮卡，性價比相當不錯。舒適加上優惠，令我的選擇變得更加容易。

於是，我高高興興地把這雙 HOKA Clifton 10 帶回家。

其實，令我感到快樂的並不只是買到新鞋，而是整個選擇的過程。比較不同型號、親身試穿、聆聽自己雙腳的感受，然後作出最適合自己的決定。這種過程本身，就是生活中的一種樂趣。

很多時候，幸福並不來自昂貴的東西，而是來自一些簡單的小事：找到一雙合適的鞋子、和家人共度愉快的時光、喝一杯下午茶，又或者期待未來一次又一次舒適的散步。

今天早上，我穿上新鞋去打乒乓球、與朋友見面、享受退休生活。我知道，人生的旅程仍在繼續。

而未來的每一步，或許都會走得更輕鬆、更舒適一些。

一步一腳印，繼續前行。

—— David Au
《Grandpa Journey》

What Really Caused the CV Joint Damage?

 Follow-up to "A Rainy Day and an Unexpected Car Repair"

The day after picking up my Toyota RAV4 from the garage, I found myself thinking about what might have caused the CV joint and axle damage that led to the repair.

The repair bill came to about C$1,000, including tax, and involved replacing the CV joints, shafts, and axles on both sides of the vehicle. Thankfully, the problem was discovered before it became a more serious breakdown, and the work was covered by a one-year warranty.

As I sat at home that evening listening to the rain outside, I began reflecting on the possible causes.

Was it the potholes?

Like many drivers in Ontario, I have driven over my share of potholes. Some are small and unavoidable, while others seem to appear overnight after a long winter. Even when we try to avoid them, a sudden bump can place stress on the suspension, steering components, and drive axles.

Was it the railway crossings?

I also thought about the many times I crossed railway tracks. Perhaps I did not slow down enough on some occasions. A sharp impact from uneven rails can send a shock through the vehicle, especially as it ages. Although a single crossing may not cause damage, repeated impacts over the years can gradually take their toll.

Or was it the accident a few months ago?

A few months back, another vehicle collided with my RAV4. The accident damaged the front bumper, one headlight, and left scratches along the right front door. The visible damage was repaired, and the vehicle seemed to drive normally afterward.

Still, I cannot help wondering whether the impact may have contributed to hidden stress on some of the front-end components. It is difficult to know for certain. Modern vehicles are complex machines, and damage does not always show up immediately.

The truth is that I may never know the exact cause.

Perhaps it was one major event.

Perhaps it was years of normal wear and tear.

Or perhaps it was a combination of potholes, railway crossings, the accident, and simply the passage of time.

What this experience reminded me is that every vehicle has a story. Every kilometre travelled leaves its mark. Just as our bodies change as we grow older, so do our cars.

The important thing is not to dwell on what caused the problem but to deal with it when it appears.

I am grateful that I noticed the grease leaking onto the garage floor. I am grateful that the mechanic identified the problem quickly. Most of all, I am grateful that the repair was completed before a roadside breakdown occurred.

Life often teaches us the same lesson.

We cannot always determine exactly why problems arise. Sometimes we simply have to recognize them, address them, and move forward.

Today the RAV4 is back on the road, and so am I.

And that, perhaps, is what matters most.

— Grandpa Journey

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一场雨天与一次意外的汽车维修

《Grandpa Journey》后续篇

提车回家后的第二天，我开始回想：到底是什么原因导致我这辆 Toyota RAV4 的 CV 万向节和半轴出现损坏？

这次维修费用约为 1000 加元（含税），更换了左右两侧的 CV 万向节、传动轴及半轴，好在问题在更严重故障发生之前被及时发现，而且维修还有一年的保修。

那天晚上，我坐在家里，听着窗外的雨声，开始静静思考可能的原因。

是不是路上的坑洞造成的？

在安大略生活的司机，都很难避免遇到坑洞。有些很小，有些则在冬季后突然出现。即使我们小心驾驶，有时一个小冲击，也可能对悬挂系统和传动部件造成压力。

是不是铁路轨道的颠簸？

我也回想起很多次经过铁路道口的情景。也许有些时候我没有足够减速。铁轨的高低差会对车辆产生明显冲击，尤其是车辆年纪渐长时，这些长期的震动会逐渐累积影响。

还是几个月前的那次事故？

几个月前，另一辆车撞到了我的 RAV4，导致前保险杠、大灯受损，右前车门也留下刮痕。虽然外观损伤已经修复，而且当时车辆行驶也没有明显异常，但我仍然忍不住怀疑，这次碰撞是否在看不见的地方留下了隐患。

现代汽车结构复杂，有些损伤不会立刻显现出来。

但真相是，我可能永远无法确定真正的原因。

也许是一次严重冲击；

也许是多年正常磨损的累积；

也可能是坑洞、铁路震动、事故，以及时间共同作用的结果。

这次经历让我意识到，每一辆车都有自己的“故事”。每一公里行驶，都会留下痕迹。就像人的身体一样，随着年龄增长，车辆也在不断变化。

重要的不是不断追问“为什么会坏”，而是在问题出现时及时处理。

我很庆幸我注意到了车库地面的油脂痕迹，也很庆幸技师迅速找出了问题，更庆幸维修及时完成，避免了更严重的路上故障。

人生往往也是如此。

很多问题，我们无法完全找到原因，但我们可以选择面对、处理，然后继续前行。

今天，这辆 RAV4 已经重新上路，而我也是。

而这，也许才是最重要的事情。

—— Grandpa Journey