It is quite likely most of us will not soon forget the wrath and the challenges that our great province has been faced so far this year by the forces of nature. Yes, it was a long and cold winter, followed by a wet and chilly spring, and now we are in the middle of a summer that really doesn’t want to kick into the full heat and sunshine mode we love so much. While British Columbia is currently sweltering in the heat and Vancouver is finally singing in the rain again, we are still shivering at night and wondering what our weather prognosticators are going to send our way next.
Always looking on the bright side, we hardy Albertans have somehow managed to survive the floods, the hail, the wind, the rain, the noisy thunder storms and everything else that has blown our way. Along the way, those who suffered the worst from natures’ wrath have been overwhelmingly supported and uplifted by so many others, from the heart and the pocketbook in so many ways, and for that, everyone should be proud.
Now, as we head into August we will hopefully be blessed with many hours of warmth and sunshine, a bountiful harvest and beauty from the rolling fields, gardens, flower beds and berry patches, as well as a chance to carry on the family fun and activities of summer holidays long into September and beyond without mosquitoes.
Next to getting outside and strolling through the sun and shade, rain or shine, what I really enjoy about this time of the year is browsing through the farmers’ markets and stores, and picking up all sorts of fresh fruits and veggies just plucked off the vine. Over the past two weeks I have shown far too much TLC for my lone tomato plant on our deck, as well as sitting and shelling so many peas that my fingers have turned green. I do believe this boring kitchen table punishment is some sort of payback for the many gardens and berry patches that my buddies and I raided when we were kids. I am sure we all had a hand in those sort of summer shenanigans but the delicious rewards were worth the tummy aches, and a scolding from our mother for not wanting supper and having filthy knees. Another longstanding tradition but a lot of work for moms, is transforming the best of nature’s summer crop into sealed jars or frozen pies, not to be seen again until they appear as a table treat on the coldest days of next winter.
On the same subject, some of the season’s best efforts of our town and county green thumbs, artists, and hobbyists of all ages will be on display on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 9 and 10 at the Ponoka Agricultural Fair. The Home, Hobby, and Horticultural Show will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion hall, while many other displays and activities for the whole family will be featured at the same time over at the Calnash Ag Event Centre on both days.
Now let’s have a little fun
Whether we like it or not, some of the things we may have taken for granted for so many years have changed but then again, maybe we should always try to look on the bright side of progress?
• Most of us as kids, and long into adulthood have always had a great love for Oreo cookies, which have been around for a long time but now have adjusted to please the ever-changing taste buds of young and old. It was always an absolute yummy treat to dunk a chocolate Oreo cookie in hot chocolate or milk, or to split the two biscuits and eat the cream first. Now, believe it or not there are more than 20 flavours of Oreos available throughout the world, with many more to come, and of course also calorie counters.
• None of us really like those tiny little cold dressing rooms that we all have to try to squeeze into, then undress, and try slip on an article of clothing that we might like to buy, but only if it fits in all the right places. Soon to be released....a high tech in store mirror that will show how clothes will look on you, and all you need to do is stand in front of the special mirror and let your mate or the crowds decide the one that is just right for you.
Greatest Quotes
• I never hated a man enough to give back his diamonds. (Zsa Zsa Gabor).
• Until I was 13 I thought my name was ‘Shut Up.’ (Joe Namath).
• I don’t feel old. I don’t feel anything until noon, and then it’s time for my nap. (Bob Hope).
• Maybe it’s true that life begins at 50....but everything else starts to wear out, fall out, and spread out. (Phyllis Diller).
Time to turn that slightly sun-tanned body into a bronze statue, put on your best hot weather attire, and have a great week, all of you!
— Hammertime