All of us were so proud that we survived more than six months of winter but were really looking forward to the refreshing arrival of spring, followed by a hot and sunny summer that would finally revitalize our spirits. After a wet, windy and chilly spring we finally managed to get outside and sew our little seeds and plants, then anxiously sat back and patiently waited for the sun to shine and for nature to perform its warm and wonderful miracles.
So what went wrong? Over the past couple of weeks this great province of ours was besieged with vicious storms, high winds, hail, tornado watches and record rainfalls. The devastating floods that ravaged the northern Alberta area and later Calgary and southern Alberta have resulted in widespread destruction and damage that will have a huge impact on millions of citizens, businesses and the economy long into the future. But as always, as in so many tragic situations in the past, at home or throughout the world, Albertans will jump up and respond with overwhelming compassion, generosity and assistance to help their neighbours get back on their feet, rebuild and move on with their lives.
Of course our governments will respond with financial support, all facets of our first class emergency and military personnel have been in the affected disaster areas from day 1 and there will be countless opportunities to donate funds, supplies and help to this vital cause. Bottom line, no matter what we may have to face or will be challenged with along the way, the sun will shine and we will somehow manage to survive, because we are proud, gung-ho, and hardy Albertans who strive to look out for each other, no matter what.
In the meantime, stay safe, always check out conditions before you travel, and take a little time to stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbours, to make sure that they are OK. Thanks for always being there for others and have a super summer.
Time for summer to sizzle
Now that summer has officially begun, all of us are more than ready to cast off our sweaters, get into the T-shirt-shorts and trim fit swim suit mode, start a real tan and to dash outside as much at every opportunity to soak up the fun in the sun from dusk until dawn. These hopefully hot months of July and August are really neat for all ages, with the kids out of school and off to camp, the joy of family holidays, and a chance for all of us to get out and sit or stroll in the fresh air, with visiting and travelling made a whole lot easier.
We can also get away with cheating a little on our eating habits, spending a lot a quality time on the hamburger/hot dog/ marshmallow/beer and BBQ circuit, planning lots of family picnics and quick snacks, all of which helps to give dear old mom some precious time away from the hot stove.
I always look forward to the leisurely games of summer that can include tossing a Frisbee, a pickup game of whatever, lawn darts, tennis, badminton, bocci, beach volleyball, assorted floatables or bouncy toys or just cruising around in or behind the family boat, all at our own speed, with lots of relax breaks. Don’t forget to toss in a good book and some music to set the leisure mood or to lull the baby, grandparents, or dad into the snooze mode. Just a hint for the younger set — as kids we got to sleep in on most summer holiday mornings, then lobbied our parents to stay up late at night or at least until the sun goes down.
Now let’s have a little fun
• No matter how slow we go when we our out walking we are still lapping everyone who is on the couch!
• Some of our former great 1960s entertainers are now making a comeback, and re-arranging their songs just for the baby boomer crowd. Here are a few examples:
- Leslie Gore: It’s my hormones, and I’ll cry if I want to.
- Paul Simon: 50 ways to lose your liver.
- The Everly Brothers: Bye Bye Love....’cause I can’t remember your name.
- The Temptations: Papa’s got a kidney stone.
- Ringo Starr: I get by with a little help from my Depends.
- Herman’s Hermits: Mrs. Brown you’ve got a lovely walker.
- Willie Nelson: On the commode again; and Mamma, your babies have now grown up to be really old cowboys.
Think sunshine and summer holidays, and have a great week at the Ponoka Stampede, all of you!
— Hammertime