Winds blowing, freezing rain or a torrential downpour, scorching sun and horrendous thunderstorms with golf-sized hailstones are some of our experiences with weather. Why is this such a popular topic of conversation? This is the question that my oldest son鈥檚 friend from Spain has asked. Once living here for a short stint eight years ago, she soon realized why Canadian citizens made this an important issue. Apparently, in Spain, this was not an important subject because their weather stays relatively the same. We have two choices, liking it or disliking it. Who likes cold, blustery snow blowing against your body in -40 C weather? Yes, one has to dress wisely in those nasty conditions, but we do have warm clothes, so people living on the prairies do survive winter. Anyone envious of those 鈥渟now birds鈥� heading south?
Get well wishes go out to Earl Holmes of Mayfair who is hoping to be his old self soon.
An invitational memorial service was held at Mayfair Hall for 63-year-old Robert Allchurch, who passed away earlier in 2015. He taught firearm safety for many years and was a lifetime member of the Witchekan Wildlife Federation. The directors of this organization relocated 20 evergreen trees to Larson Lake near Spiritwood in memory of Allchurch, a former president of the organization. This request had been made by his family prior to Robert鈥檚 passing.
Faye and Keith Liebaert attended the wedding her niece Rustie Dean in this past Saturday in Moose Jaw. She is a radio announcer in Regina and a figure skating instructor. Also in attendance were Keith (Lauren) of Brandon, Jenelle Johnson of North Battleford, Ryan of Mayfair and four of the Liebaert grandchildren. Daughter Michelle and family from Flin Flon, Man. were unable to attend. Saturday was a warm, windless day for this special occasion.
Old time dance lessons got off to an excellent start Nov. 3 with Della and Jim Schira as instructors of the first few lessons. They hail from Spiritwood and are presently instructing in two other communities. Teenagers wanting to learn were eagerly in attendance and having a good time with us older folks. The next lesson is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17 and subsequent Tuesdays until Dec. 15. The six sessions cost $32 per person or $7 for drop-ins. It is not too late to register, so call me at 306-445-9992. Dancing is fantastic exercise.
When citizens wear their poppies on the left hand side close to the heart, they show respect, honour and remebrance of soldiers who lost their lives. There is always much controversy on why people turn on their Christmas lights prior to Remembrance Day. Some say this shows lack of respect and light up their houses and yards only after Nov. 11
Jason Smith, who grew up on a farm near Mayfair, tied the knot with Jaime Waterhouse of Shellbrook Nov. 7. Jason is the son of Ronald and Maryann Smith of Mayfair. The newlyweds reside in Paradise Hill. Jason works as an autobody repair technician in Lloydminster. Best wishes for a long, happy married life.
Four days before her 86th birthday, Audrey Giesbrecht passed away at Pine Island Lodge in Maidstone with her family by her side. She was born in Meeting Lake and raised on a farm in Mullingar district. Passing away Sept. 20, she leaves behind her husband of 64 years, Peter, and Donna (Ken) Allchurch. Audrey was predeceased by her son Irvin of North Battleford on May 8, 2015.
Paulie (Ken) Rogers informed me their Seventh Day Adventist Church is doing the Christmas nativity program Dec. 4, 5 and 6 at their place of worship, 1611 鈥� 93rd St. in North Battleford. I鈥檝e enjoyed the walkthrough with different scenes through the church basement a few years ago and want to take my grandchildren this year. It is a must to see and do, so mark your calendars. You certainly will not be disappointed. Other years it has had a silver collection, so it might be the same format this year. The church congregation certainly go over and beyond with this presentation open to all denominations. You will even find live animals in a stable and a real live baby in Mary鈥檚 arms or in a hay-filled wooden cradle.
Travelling a distance to visit children and grandchildren is common practice for Shirley Lamontagne. She recently returned from a six-day holiday to be with oldest son Calvin and friend Lynn at Grand Forks, B.C. and Calvin鈥檚 daughter April, her husband and new baby, who reside in Vancouver, B.C. It takes eight hours by vehicle from Grand Forks to Vancouver. Shirley flew from Saskatoon to Grand Forks, which is close to the U.S. border. She thoroughly enjoyed this trip.
The forecast for the next few days is for snow, so let鈥檚 grin and bear it. Yes, weather does play an important role in our lives when living on the prairies. At least we do not have to worry about landslides, tornadoes or hurricanes.
