Hammertime
As we shuffle into the month of November, we will gaze into the skies to watch the amazing Northern Light show along with the majestic V migration of the geese to their warm weather getaway. In the meantime, we will eventually realize that Old Man Winter will soon be upon us and can look forward to five or so months of fluffy and frigid white wonder, but absolutely no bugs. Before our trusty outdoor thermometers really crash, this might be a really good time to put up our outdoor Christmas lights and decorations, while many others will quickly put away their spooky Halloween displays and methodically begin their ho-ho-ho Christmas shopping and planning.
Before getting into all that November hustle and bustle, please take a few moments between the inevitable scraping windows and shovelling snow to stop and purchase a bright red poppy in remembrance and honour of those many thousands of brave men and women who have throughout our colorful history and will always continue to serve and protect our great nation in countless wars and peace-keeping efforts at home and throughout the world. The annual Remembrance Day ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 11 beginning at 10:15 a.m. in front of the Cilantro and Chive restaurant on Highway 2A and featuring the traditional parade led by a Pipe Band. The group will then slowly march past the Legion Cenotaph for the salute, followed by the ceremony and laying of the wreaths inside the Legion Hall as well as outside at the cenotaph. This very special day will end with a pot luck lunch, to which everyone is invited.
In this fast moving age, we all know very well that life can change in a flash, and that our whole world is in a confrontational turmoil that has and will continue to affect all of us in many ways. It is up to each and every Canadian citizen of all walks of life to stand up and support those who put their lives on the line 24-7 to protect us and to assure a safe and good quality of lifestyle now and long into our future generations.
Try to enjoy and share each precious day
I receive quite a few emails each and every day, some that are funny, others that are way off the wall, and many that leave a special message that could affect all of us and which I enjoy passing on to you my faithful readers. This touching poem was written by a young girl who is suffering from terminal cancer, it is entitled ‘Slow Down’, and suggests how important it is for all of us to cherish and enjoy our lives, one day at a time.
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round;
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down...don’t dance so fast, because time is short, and the music won’t last.
Do you run through each day on the fly, and when you ask ‘how are you?’, do you pause to hear the rely?
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed, with the next hundred chores running through your head?
Ever told your child, ‘We’ll do it tomorrow’, and in your haste, not seen his sorrow?
Ever lost touch and let a good friendship die, because you never had time to call and say ‘Hi’?
When you run so fast to get somewhere, you miss half the fun just getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift, thrown away.
Life is not a race, so do try to take it just a little slower, and to hear and dance to all the music before the song is over.
We can all become ‘snow-buddies.
While most of the councils of our cities, towns and counties are now trying to complete the not so easy task of setting their 2014-15 snow removal budget, many have come up with a unique and kindly idea where citizens can assist their neighbours with the ongoing task of shovelling and occasionally using a little muscle to get them unstuck and on their way.
There are many folks, especially seniors and those with health problems, who are unable to clean their walks and driveways, and on the occasion of a real dump, they may even find it hard to get out of their homes. We all know of so many great people who so willingly volunteer to lend a helping hand or a ride to others in many ways all year round, which is so very much appreciated. Please give a big wave and a honk to all our ‘snow-buddies’ when you see them this winter, and thanks for stopping and giving a push or dig out if necessary.
It is a fact that in 2055 residents in retirement homes will be playing a fun game called `Guess what my tattoo used to be.` I got my FREE FLU SHOT last week and it didn`t hurt one little bit. Dress in layers to keep up with the weather, and have a great week, all of you.