Mike Rainone
Hammertime
This present fall season of 2017 will likely be one that we will never forget, what with the ‘highs and dries’ of our beloved Alberta in the midst of a record breaking heat wave and very little rain, along with the fires in B.C., the floods in the east, and all those horrific wild and wet hurricanes and all the other wicked weather phenomena’s that are currently invading North America and the rest of the modern world.
I guess we can call it what we wish; global warming, El-Niño, super cells, micro-bursts, and whatever, but these sudden storms, quakes, and horrific blasts are the powerful and totally unpredictable ‘force of nature’ that can strike at any time and have been ravaging the world long before we were here.
At least nowadays due to our modern weather tracking technology they can give us much earlier warning to impending storms as well as to put disaster plans in place to get millions of people to safety and shelter. It would probably be a good idea for each and every one of us to prepare a safety emergency escape plan and ‘be prepared kit,’ just in case, because you never know what might just be around the corner these days, do we?
Our daughter-in-law was given 15 minutes to get out of Beacon Hill when the dreaded Fort McMurray wild fire was declared out of control in 2016.
The greatest blessing, both in our nation and throughout the globe is that emergency personnel, support groups, and people of all nationalities and walks of life are always so quick and willing to respond to all disasters and special needs by reaching out to support and extend care to others, whether it be in their own community, their province, their nation, or around the world. It is the greatest gift that we can give, which is so much appreciated by the vital causes that they assist, as well as assuring the fact that no one will ever be left alone whenever a helping hand is needed.
The really neat things about fall
Even though there will be a slight chill in the air and the days are getting shorter the fall season can be a great and invigorating time of the year for all ages.
We can look forward to being awed by the amazing displays of northern lights in the evening and although we may have to dress up just a little warmer we can still get outside for a brisk stroll, there will hopefully be lots of tee or tennis times left, and it won’t be long before all the pesky bugs have all been fried or frozen.
Autumn in all its magnificent colour and glory is also full of longstanding traditions…hundreds of excited children going back to school, the geese gathering for their long trip south, a whole new slate of fall/winter sports and all sorts of other classes, courses, concerts, games, and activities, the squirrels are rushing around to fill their huts with ‘stuck inside’ goodies, and of course there are those grand sounds and smells of the glorious harvest. No matter what age we may be we will never forget heading out into our big gardens to help our parents dig up the spuds, the carrots, and all the rest, and then it is time for the ‘Queen of the House’ to show-off her magic culinary skills by filling the kitchen with hot pots and jars and steam as she preserves all of our family favourite fruits and veggies and then stores them away to be enjoyed another special day.
While the thrill of Halloween is already in the air, especially in the stores, so many individuals and teams of all ages are busy practising and preparing for their new indoor/outdoor season of hockey, curling, figure skating, bowling, football, school sports, and others, and of course lots of cheering spectators, officials, and volunteers are always welcome to join in on the action. What-ever you may choose for your fall/winter fun calendar, please have fun, dress warm for the occasion, and always try to find just a little time to phone, email, or visit those who may be shut-in or are unable to get out in the colder weather. In the meantime enjoy the brisk fresh air, and have a great week, all of you.