May 27, 2026
On The Upside with Marley
The quiet rewards of giving your time
Volunteering is often seen as something we do for others. It’s framed as giving—giving time, effort, or energy to support a cause or help someone in need. And while that’s true, it only tells part of the story. What’s often overlooked is how much volunteering gives back to the person doing it.
Helping others has a way of strengthening something within you.
When you volunteer, you step outside your usual routine. You engage with people, situations, and perspectives that you might not otherwise encounter. That shift alone can be powerful. It reminds you that your time has value beyond your personal schedule and that your presence can make a difference in ways that are not always measurable.
There is also a deeper sense of connection that comes from contributing. Whether it’s helping at a local event, supporting a community organization, or simply offering your time where it’s needed, volunteering builds a sense of belonging. You are no longer just observing your community—you are participating in it.
It also changes how you see your own challenges. When you contribute to something larger than yourself, many of the things that once felt overwhelming begin to shift in perspective. Gratitude grows naturally, not because your problems disappear, but because your awareness expands.
Volunteering is not about being needed. It’s about choosing to show up.
Sometimes the greatest personal growth doesn’t come from what you achieve for yourself, but from what you give to others without expecting anything in return.
A Century of Service:
The Royal Canadian Legion & Ladies’ Auxiliary
In 2026, The Royal Canadian Legion marks 100 years of supporting Canada’s Veterans, strengthening communities, and honouring those who served. Officially incorporated in 1926, the Legion has remained rooted in service, advocacy, and keeping Remembrance alive for future generations. Across Canada, local branches have become gathering places, service hubs, and community pillars.
The Ladies’ Auxiliary has long been an essential part of that mission. Through fundraising, volunteer work, branch support, and community involvement, Auxiliary members have helped strengthen Legion efforts and support important programs at the local level. Whether large or small, Auxiliaries across the country continue to work tirelessly for their branches and communities.
A hundred years is more than a milestone. It is a reminder that remembrance is not only something we feel…
It’s something we practice, protect, and pass forward.
The Instructions
A man opened a box that said “Easy Assembly – Instructions Included.” He unfolded the manual and found twelve steps, three diagrams, and a warning that said, “Do not tighten fully until complete.” Two hours later, he was staring at something that looked almost right but had one extra screw. His wife asked how it was going. He said, “I’m at the stage where I’m confident this is either finished… or I’ve invented something new.”
The Devine Parking Spot
An Atheist is driving downtown looking for a parking spot and there’s nothing to be had, so he says “God, if you give me parking spot, I will convert myself and become Christian”.
Two minutes later he says “Never mind I found one”
The Answer Is In The Answer
Patient: “Doctor I think I’m going deaf.”
Doctor: “Well, can you describe the symptoms?”
Patient: “Yeah, Homer is a fat yellow man and Marge has blue hair.”
Good News — Bad News
Wife: “I’ve got good news and bad news… Which do you want to hear first?”
Husband: “The good news!”
Wife: “The good news is your car’s airbag works perfectly.”
* * * * *
Doctor: “I’ve got good news and bad news.”
Patient: “What’s the good news?”
Doctor: “They’re going to name a disease after you.”
* * * * *
Attorney: “I have good news and bad news,” First the bad news:
Attorney: The blood test came back, and your DNA is an exact match with that found at the crime scene.”
Client: Oh, no!… What’s the good news?”
Attorney: “Your cholesterol is down to 140.”
* * * * *
Doctor: “I’ve got good news and bad news,”
Patient: “What’s the bad news?”
Doctor: “We have to amputate your legs.”
Patient: “Oh God, no!!! Well what’s the good news?”
Doctor: “The man in the next bed wants to buy your slippers”
[Insert Meme Image Here]
Editors Quote Book
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
—Mahatma Gandhi
Trivia Quiz
(Click Question For Answer)
Your Horoscope
For Amusement Only
Aries Mar. 21 – Apr. 19: A decision gains clarity through action. Trust your instincts and allow progress to guide your next move.
Taurus Apr. 20 – May 20: Steady effort brings results. Focus on consistency and allow time to strengthen your direction.
Gemini May 21 – Jun. 20: Clear thinking improves outcomes. Keep communication simple and avoid unnecessary complications this week.
Cancer Jun. 21 – Jul. 22: Emotional clarity returns soon. Give yourself space to reflect before making important decisions.
Leo Jul. 23 – Aug. 22: Confidence grows through action. Trust your ability and take steps toward what feels right.
Virgo Aug. 23 – Sep. 22: Organization improves progress. A clear plan helps reduce stress and keeps your focus steady.
Libra Sep. 23 – Oct. 22: Balance comes from perspective. Step back briefly and allow clarity to develop naturally.
Scorpio Oct. 23 – Nov. 21: Focus strengthens results. Direct your energy carefully and avoid distractions that slow progress.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 – Dec. 21: A new idea gains momentum. Explore possibilities and allow curiosity to lead forward.
Capricorn Dec. 22 – Jan. 19: Discipline supports growth. Consistent effort helps you build something meaningful over time.
Aquarius Jan. 20 – Feb. 18: Creative thinking helps now. A different approach reveals solutions you had not considered.
Pisces Feb. 19 – Mar. 20: Reflection brings clarity. Take time to think before acting and your direction becomes clearer.
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Respectful Golfer
Two friends are out golfing at their local course when one of them is about to chip onto the green. Just then, a long funeral procession passes by on the road beside the course.
The golfer suddenly stops mid-swing, removes his cap, closes his eyes, and bows his head in prayer.
His friend watches in amazement and says, “Wow… that’s the most thoughtful and touching thing I’ve ever seen. You truly are a kind and respectful man.”
The golfer nods and says, “Well, it’s the least I could do… after all, we were married for 35 years.”
The Peanuts Are Complimentary
A man walked into a bar, sat down, and ordered a beer. As he sipped the beer, he heard a soothing voice say, ‘Nice tie!’ Looking around, he noticed that the bar was empty except for himself and the bartender at the end of the bar. A few sips later, the voice said, ‘Beautiful shirt.’ At this, the man called the bartender over. ‘Hey, I must be losing my mind,’ he told the bartender. ‘I keep hearing these voices saying nice things, and there’s not a soul in here but us.’ ‘It’s the peanuts,’ answered the bartender. ‘Say what?’ ‘You heard me,’ said the barkeep. ‘It’s the peanuts … They’re complimentary.
The Duck Is A Little Short
A duck walks into a pharmacy and walks up to the counter. ‘I’d like some Chapstick,’ he tells the pharmacist. ‘How are you going to pay for that?’ the pharmacist asks. The duck replies ‘I’m a little short, Just put it on my bill.’
The Most Epic Flash Mob
I’ve never experienced a live flash mob, but if I did, I’d want it to be this one. Here is one epic flash mob performance of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”!
The Last Word
“What you give to others has a way of returning to you in ways you never expected.”

Another great one! You people are great.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
How ca I access back copies
If you look at the bottom of the home page there’s a section to look at past issues for each area. They go back to 2020 when the new website was launched 🙂
Thanks for my weekly laugh. Every time I see this in my email box I have to read it right away. Some of it is serious and some I laugh and laugh until I almost per my pants and that is not hard at 75 years of age. Thanks for the fun.
Thank You Eleanor and our sincere condolences to your pants 😉
I stand corrected. Pres. Obama’s ELECTION was Nov 4, 2008. He was sworn in in Jan 2009. My bad
I’m splitting hairs here…
The answer to the trivia question about the year of Obama’s ELECTION to presidency is 2017. The electoral college results were read and validated in the US senate in early January 2018 followed by the reading of the oath later in January at which point he assumed the responsibilities of the presidency.
Always look forward to the Perkolator. Fun facts and giggles, What’s not to love.
Hi Paul, Thanks for letting us know that you enjoy the Perkolator.
Keep on reading!.
I’ve been reading your online newsletter for years and enjoyed this issue so much that I wanted to congratulate you on a very entertaining Perkolator!
Love the humour. “Perks” me right up.
Thx for doing a great job.
You did it again BG.
BG’S Positively Speaking was well said !!!
Thank You, Harolyn.
I am glad that you appreciated my message.