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Thanks to all those who make our road trips safer

This week's Hammertime looks at winter driving challenges.

A couple of weeks ago we set out to pick up family members arriving at the Edmonton International Airport from Australia.

Unfortunately half way through the trip north the weather turned bad with a drizzly combination of freezing rain and snow causing icy patches and piles of slush on the always busy QEII Highway and reducing speeds from 60 to 100 km/h depending on the conditions.

By the time we got there after close to 3 hours of ‘white knuckle’ driving it was snowing heavily, their plane from Vancouver was delayed due to strong winds but finally arrived safely at noon, after which all flights were cancelled for the rest of the afternoon. After hunkering down for an hour at one of those expensive airport restaurants we ventured back onto the road for the trip back to Red Deer still facing heavy wet snow and lots of splashing. Along the way we saw many vehicles in the ditch from the aftermath of just another one of those quickie ‘Alberta clippers’ that we expect, but always dread. Thankfully it cleared near Ponoka and we made it back home by late afternoon with our precious cargo, shaken but safe.

During that entire trip we were so thankful to see MOST of the people out there driving very cautiously, as well as along the way meeting a whole convoy of bright and flashing Ledcor trucks that were skillfully plowing, sanding and clearing the sloppy highway, over-passes, entries and exits. This amazing and dedicated company is contracted by the Alberta Government to service 32,000 kilometres of provincial highways year round and have over 7,000 employees. Each and every one of us out and about on our highways and by-ways should appreciate and feel much safer having them out there helping us to have a safe journey, and in turn it is up to all of us to pay attention and protect and respect their efforts as they faithfully perform their duties whenever required. A big salute also to all of our other emergency services, first responders and other personnel who are always ready to put their lives on the line to respond 24-7 year round in support of the vital needs and safety of everyone, no matter what the conditions or circumstances.

Here are some Senior Inspirations for all of us

My goal for 2016 was to lose just 10 pounds, and I only have 15 to go.

We ate salad for dinner, mostly croutons and tomatoes. Really it was just one big round crouton covered with tomato sauce and cheese. FINE, I’ll admit it was a pizza.

How to prepare Tofu: (1) Throw it in the trash (2) Grill some meat.

I just did a week’s worth of cardio after walking into a spider web.

I don’t mean to brag but last week I finished my 14-day supply of diet food in three-hours and 14 minutes.

A recent study has found that women who carry a little extra weight live longer than the men who mention it.

Kids today don’t know how easy they have it. When I was young we had to walk nine feet through shag carpet to change the T.V. channel.

I have to admit that senility has been a smooth transition for me. I love being over 70 because I learn something new every day and forget five others.

A thief broke into my house last night and started searching for money, so I woke up and started searching with him.

My dentist told me that I need a Crown, so I smiled and replied, ‘You bet, make mine on the rocks.’

There are days when I just put an ‘Out of Order’ sticker on my forehead and call it a day.

Just Remember, once we are over the hill, we begin to pick up speed.

Please take a few moments to pick up a Poppy or two from our friendly local Legion members in support of our brave Veterans who served and gave their lives in support of our nation. Everyone is urged to attend Remembrance Day Services on Friday-November 11th at the Royal Canadian Legion. In the meantime, dress a little warmer but have a great week, all of you.