All the leaves are [gone] (all the leaves are [gone])
And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)
I’ve been for a walk (I’ve been for a walk)
On a winter’s day (on a winter’s day)
I’d be safe and warm (I’d be safe and warm)
If I was in [D/A] (if I was in [D/A])
[Dominica] dreamin’ ([Dominica] dreamin’)
On such a winter’s day*
During these dark days of winter, I do dream of Dominica frequently and am grateful for constant contact with many friends there. It is my intention to return for a lengthy visit as soon as possible. Maybe it is a good thing to be delayed for a bit as I attend to some overdue obligations here, after so many years away from my ‘home and native land’. I get to experience a once -familiar culture, which of course has changed with the times (for better and/or worse), complain about a northern winter, and reflect on almost 20 years of incredible experiences on the Nature Isle!
As we know, climate change is making its presence felt with alarming regularity and intensity, no matter where we live. I did not miss the devastating rainfall events that Dominica and other countries in the Eastern Caribbean experienced in November and December 2016. Meanwhile, it is decidedly ‘cold’ here, and the greatest challenge is negotiating ubiquitous ice on sidewalks and roadways. There can be snow and frigid temperatures for a few days, and then it warms up a bit so that the snow melts, followed by a cooling off at night that creates treacherous conditions for moving around outside. This type of weather is increasingly commonplace ‘up here’ – the snow doesn’t stay as it once did along the southernmost Great Lakes, where I live. Admittedly, I am not a fan of the cold weather in Canada (below 20 C or 68 F for me!)which necessitates donning several layers of clothing (and bedding) in order to be ‘warm’ at this time of year. Even a brisk walk over a long distance for an hour or more barely brings a trickle of sweat to my brow!
In any event, it’s a New Year, and in keeping with one of my resolutions, it is my intention to turn Ti Domnik Tales into an eBook. I will go through the archives of over 150 stories, as well as add a few new ones. But they will not be publicized until the final product is ready for release. A selection of the existing pieces will be modified, merged and edited, and that is part of the fun! Do you have a favourite post or a particular topic I have written about that interests you? Let me know, and I’ll be sure to re-blog that feature from my collection of adventures and experiences on the Nature Isle! You are welcome to respond by putting a remark in the reply box at the bottom of this post. Did you know that you can also search for specific subjects contained in Ti Domnik Tales posts? There is a search box, in which you may insert keywords on the right hand side of this post.
As I’ve always loved themes,I will focus on my best-loved things-to-do on Dominica (and there are quite a few!) in specific categories to put in the formal compilation.As part of the preparatory publishing exercise, I will also re-blog some oldies but goodies that have been very well received since the inception of this site almost five years ago.
Sincere thanks to all readers, followers and fans of Ti Domnik Tales on various social media platforms. As we enter 2017, I am thrilled to report that this blog has received over 100,000 visits from great people like you!
Finally, I wish you and yours a rewarding and fulfilling New Year and hope that you

Happy New Year from me to you! Photo taken on a (relatively) mild and (rare) sunny winter’s day, January 2, 2017 at Kingston, Ontario Canada.
will have good health, happiness and prosperity in whatever you do. Together, let’s practice a peaceful and respectful way of life every day too.
Here are a few photos that I have included for your interest, which compare and contrast winter in my present place of residence (Kingston Ontario) alongside my beloved Dominica, stuff of my dreams. While I endeavor to make the most of both worlds, there is definitely no place like the Nature Island. I’ll be back as soon as I can!
*Lyrics slightly adapted by Gwendominica/Canary Gal from the original song, California Dreamin’, sung by the Mamas & Papas (1965).