Frazer's 17th birth anniversary

The First Podcast

I am resurrecting my first podcast, Arctic HOWLs, which was paused indefinitely after the death of my best friend, Frazer. The initial purpose of the podcast was to capture the essence of the Arctic habitat of wildlife and locals with a focus on Arctic Canada and Finland. It is now an ongoing tribute to Frazer’s ubiquitous presence, which includes this website, a free service offer, a fictional story about the Frazden School of Boundless Joy, and future endeavors related to giving B9 tokens.

Two years ago, two kind Canadian souls (much indebted, Cara Moore and Anthony Mayne) helped me and my two best friends (Frazer and Denvor) start my long-awaited journey to the Yukon. I want to thank them for supporting me and dedicate this episode of Arctic HOWLs to them.

Hello Calgary

Our Canadian journey started in Edmonton (Alberta), and it took us to Northern British Columbia (BC) and Québec (QC). A memorable cross-country road trip with Denvor still alive and Frazer’s ashes was repeated as Denvor and I relocated to Calgary to say hello to old friends and make new ones. The first trip took us from BC to QC and this second trip brought us back home to Alberta (AB).

As for the Yukon, I’m happy writing a fictional story about its geology for now. Waited for 27 years, so what’s another few months!

Many Thanks

Much indebted to Dr. Josée Guilmette, Dr. Marguerite Wieckowska, and the staff members at CV Animo Santé in Longueuil (QC) and Centre Vétérinaire Rive-Sud in Brossard (QC) for helping Denvor stay alive and healthy after a close euthanasia call on Sept 30. He loves snow, so I hope that he plans to stay alive for it and to celebrate his 16th birthday on Oct 24.

Grateful to all the vets who helped Frazer live a good 16 years and are helping Denvor enjoy his super senior life. Special thanks to Dr. Jessica Woods and the staff at Mission Ridge Animal Hospital in St. Albert (AB) for supporting me when it was time for Frazer to go.

Special thanks to Vonie for Frazer’s last ride to Mission Ridge and to my neighbor in St. Albert, Carolyn Wiese. I’ll never forget what you did for us.

Kate Wolf

Kate Wolf’s songs helped me grieve the loss of Frazer, which is why you will hear snippets of her songs in all new episodes. Grateful to Max Wolf, Kate’s son, for permitting the use of her songs in my podcast episodes.

Unfinished Life, Streets of Calgary, Pacheco, Redtail Hawk, September Song, Who knows, Amazed to Find, Across the Great Divide, Old Jerome, and Back Roads were on an unending loop since the day Frazer left. The Trumpet Vine was his favorite. His tail never stopped wagging and his eyes never blinked when I sang this song.

I’m sure that Kate’s songs have brought comfort to many, so I’d like to dedicate two of her songs to those on the first leg of their journey from sorrow to strength after the death of their loved one.

Legend in his time (1975)
Lay your fortune on the line
twenty-six ain’t past your prime
Now the angel band
has one more for the choir

He was a legend in his time
I don’t know the reason why
When he’d sing a song
you know I’d like to cry
Now he’s on the other side
Standing on God’s golden shore
Singing country music for the Lord

The wind blows wild (1986)
Now listen to the sound of the years going down
It’s fifty blowing in the wind
Fifty years blowing in the wind
The memories just fade into a bright parade
How many times did you see him (2)

Did you see him
He was there to wave to you
All those times you’ve needed him before
You say this one shall lead you
He knows we all must go
The wind blows wild on the shore

Podcast Note

This is a non-commercial project and a work of fiction, so everything herein is imaginary with some dangling facts. To use Kate Wolf’s songs, see Using a Kate Wolf song. You will hear a few minutes of Back Roads (1975) by Kate Wolf in this episode.

Cover Image

Taken by Letty when she reached Calgary. It is her second cross-country road trip of about 3700 kilometers. You must see the Fall hues in Northern Québec and Northern Ontario. If you are a Finn visiting Canada, don’t miss the drive from Lake Helen to Thunder Bay. You will feel right at home!

This is a B9 Token, which is an effortless contribution by me that inspires you enough to donate nine dollars, in cash or kind, to an organization in your neighborhood that is serving a cause that matters the most to you. If you took action as a result of this post, thank you for celebrating the ubiquitous presence of the one you love the most!