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HAMMERTIME: Time to get ready for fall

The end of summer isn’t just about getting ready to head back to class
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Hammertime - Mike Rainone

Even as a kid, I always looked forward to the month of August.

Quite simply, because there is still lots of hot and hazy days of summer left to get outside as we hopefully head into a long stretch of fabulous fall, without bugs.

The evenings are already getting shorter, but are still warm with lots of time to still play some golf and tennis, to rake leaves, to dig the spuds and to get ready for what we hope is another bountiful harvest for all of those hardy souls who have worked so hard to put it all together.

There is no doubt that the biggest rush around this time of the year is the opportunity to stroll the stores and check out all those sassy new fall and winter fashions designed for head to toe.

Of course, there will always be that grand old shopping tradition and total mayhem when our precious children and their slightly stressed parents invade the shops in order to get the best bang and bargains for their back to school supplies just in time to return to the hallowed halls of learning and meeting a bunch of new friends early in September.

There will always be lots more time for visiting family and friends after the summer holidays, likely a few more garage sales, as well as all sorts of other ‘laid back and let loose’ events and activities planned for all ages over that long and cooler stretch after the autumn leaves have fallen and the first signs of spring 2019 appear and to have a great time to get involved in something both new and fun.

The travel agents will all tell us that September is also a great time for an extended holiday, because the prices drop drastically, it’s a whole lot quieter as well as a perfect time for some guaranteed and totally stress less R and R for couples of all ages.

After the September long weekend, many of our provincial campgrounds also stay open well into the fall — some all year round — and at this time of the season it should be whole lot easier to book your perfect spot. For more information on fall and winter camping, you can contact 1-877-537-2757 or go to AlbertaParks.ca.

Community Registration Night tonight

Those looking to register or get more information on the countless fall winter activities in and around Ponoka should plan to attend the Community Registration Night tonight — Aug. 29th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Kinsmen Recreation Centre. Ponoka organizations and groups taking part in the casual and friendly event will include the Youth Centre, Recreational Hockey, Minor Hockey, Figure Skating, Girl Guides, Got 2 Dance Productions, Leisure Lanes, Gymnastics Club, Adult Learning, Minor Soccer, Kid’s Sport Ponoka, McMann Youth, F.C.S.S., and more. So, feel free to pop in and get acquainted.

Now, a little fun

Getting older? No way!

• Aging — Eventually we will reach a point in our lives when we will stop lying about our age and start bragging about it. This is so true, and personally, I really love to hear them say ‘You sure don’t look that old.’

• Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable. As a kid, I think I ate way to many Rice Krispies and now all I do is snap, crackle and pop.

• Lord keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.

• Now if you feel that this ‘aging’ theory doesn’t apply to you, please stick around and it eventually will.

Back to School jokes

• What’s big and yellow and comes in the morning to brighten a Mother’s Day? The School bus.

• Most kids love buying school supplies, but to others it’s like purchasing your own dental instruments.

• Mother: ‘Those were the clothes I wish I could have worn when I was in school. Daughter: ‘They were probably in style way back then.’

• Little Johnny: ‘Would you punish me for something I didn’t do?’ Teacher: ‘Of course not!’ Little Johnny: ‘That’s good because I forgot to do my homework.’

• The Bus Drivers Oath: No child is ever left behind, and may they always ride with me in peace and quiet.

No matter what — each and every day — we must always try to remind ourselves that the best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been and the memories and friends that we have made and shared along the way.

Have a great week, all of you.