It is beginning to look like a normal winter now with almost eight inches of snow that has fallen in our area in the past one and a half weeks. A little colder weather isn't the end of the world. In fact, there are some who love winter months because of all the outdoor activities that can be enjoyed.
Paul and Jan Cherwinski have returned after visiting their daughter Veronica (Myles) Jack in Lacombe, Alta. and Jan's dad Sid Penley in Medicine Hat. Son Drew showed them his newly-purchased home in Calgary. His house is within 10 blocks from his first cousin Carla (Kelly) Soucy's home in a nice neighbourhood. Carla is the daughter of Stephen and Leanne Cherwinski and has resided in Calgary for 10 years.
Condolences to Willy and Marguerite Wintonyk on the passing of his 88-year-old cousin Dick Wintonyk of Hafford. The funeral service was held Jan. 18 in North Battleford.
Adgerine McNutt reports her son-in-law Dan Salisbury was lucky on his 60th birthday. He and his wife Patti stopped in at a casino in Yorkton after a great supper and within a few seconds the slot machine started flashing lights and making loud sounds. Dan did not squander much coin to receive a $2,300 birthday present. This does not occur too often to people celebrating their birthdays. Apparently he is not a frequent player.
Speaking of gambling, two weeks ago the Columbine Tour Bus Line from Lloydminster picked up passengers at North Battleford and Radisson en route to the Dakota Dunes Casino and a tour of the Christmas lights at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm. Esther Welsh, Adgerine McNutt and Ellyn Scotton from Mayfair enjoyed this outing.
The bitterly cold weather did not stop me from attending a small concert at Prairie Ink Restaurant located in the McNally Robinson bookstore in Saskatoon this past Saturday. With wind chill, the temperature dipped down to -43 C. I was fortunate to have Shirley Lamontagne and Marguerite Wintonyk join me in my travels. Eighteen-year-old Shantala Poulin, formerly of Spiritwood, entertained the crowd with a range of old rock tunes, country music and some of her original songs. In December, Shantala was in Nashville and has been working on an album soon to be released. She has also been recording with Canadian musician Crystal Shawanda. The music video to Click, Click, Bang, Bang features Shantala and Joanna Dee and has hit the Top 100 Charts.
I know this blooming musician is going places and the best part is that, when she was younger, I had the privilege to teach her before I became ill. What a pleasure to see her again, even when someone told me I was a fool to be out in these extreme temperatures.
Shantala is a first cousin to musicians Brody and Riley Siebert, also formerly of Spiritwood. The country music radio stations are also playing Brody's popular hits. Brody was an opening act for the Craven Country Jamboree this past summer.
Faye and Keith Liebaert's house was filled with much fun and excitement with all four children, spouses and grandchildren visiting during the Christmas season. Daughter Michelle (Chad) Schwartz from Flin Flon, Man. and their three children do not come to visit very often, so this was very special. Kevin (Lauren) Liebaert and their baby from Brandon, Man., Jenelle (Matthew) Johnson and their girls from North Battleford, and Ryan, who lives a few miles from his parents, had a good visit. Shelley Ross from North Battleford was also included in the festivities.
We had our family over Jan. 10 for a belated Christmas meal and gifts. Things got delayed with Dennis's funeral and our kids weren't able to come until now. A big thank you for the abundance of sympathy cards and phone calls from people far and near.
I did not get to view the last festive episode of the cooking TV show that featuredSteven Konopelski as a contestant, but heard it was very exciting. He was not the top winner, but was in the top three. Steven created some amazing desserts and I am sure he serves many delicious tasty dishes at his bed and breakfast in Denton, Maryland.
Wishing Anne VanNortwick a happy 85th birthday Jan. 17.
