Recharge this weekend, maybe with the royals

The weekend is here and not just any weekend. It’s the Victoria Day weekend, the “May long,” the traditional kick-off to camping season, warmer weather activities and digging in the garden.

For more than a hundred years after her death Canada is still celebrating Queen Victoria’s birthday. Although she was born on May 24 our celebration takes place on the Monday closest to that date to take make it into a long weekend.

It is an opportunity to celebrate democracy, reflect on our Westminster system of government, and our parliamentary traditions that are rooted in British history and tradition.

Even if you are not a monarchist there is a fascination with royalty in general. You need only look at the response to television programs featuring royalty to know it attracts attention.

This weekend for some there will also be an opportunity to enjoy British pomp and pageantry for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It will be a few hours of escape from our regular lives to enjoy a special moment in history, one of beauty and majesty.

Even if you want nothing to do with royalty, this is a weekend to officially escape from the doldrums of winter and a cool spring.

Traditionally the weather can be cool and accompanied by rain this weekend but as long as you are not camping that may not be a problem. You can still go for walks, plant flowers in the garden, perhaps fit in a picnic, do some spring cleaning and in general get ready to celebrate summer and the great outdoors.

Above all it is an opportunity to recharge your batteries with some physical activity, read a good book, soak up some sunshine and enjoy time with family and friends.

Happy Victoria Day weekend.