In last week’s column, I mentioned coming frost might get my dahlias before you read that edition, and so it came to pass! On Thursday night, it was down to -4C, and the dahlias did get frozen, and on Friday, I dug them up. Now they are safe in the house, although not yet packed up. Now we get some beautiful days to finish any tasks, but most of mine were done when the weather wasn’t quite so nice.
Many farmers are harvesting corn these days, and it sounds like it has turned out to be a great crop. Earlier in the season, some fields looked like disasters with very uneven growth. Still, the combination of rain and heat seems to have done wonders. Some soya beans are also harvested, but I haven’t yet seen any reports for that crop.
Today was Remembrance Sunday, and we observed a very moving service at Sandford United Church. Carol O’Neil conducted the service and had a wonderful message. We also had our piper, Bill Richardson, playing The Lament and another song to open. Some people don’t like the bagpipes, especially inside, but I always get a wee emotional when I hear them, maybe my Scottish grandfather McGregor coming through. Our other musicians were Ruth Baker, who we always enjoy having with us, and her granddaughter Alyana, who plays the violin. Alyana and her younger sister have played several times before the pandemic, and I was amazed how tall she has grown in the time and her expertise on the violin.
On Friday, our Epsom Girls met at Wooden Sticks for lunch and chatter. It was here I learned from his sister Elva Kerry that my next-door neighbour, Cloyne Stearman, has sold the farm to the people who have been living in the main house for some time. Cloyne and his wife, my cousin Jeanette Dobson, bought the farm probably in the late 50s. Cloyne and Elva and their siblings were born and raised just up the road. Anyway, Cloyne has moved into Butternut Manor, joining a bevy of others that we know there.
It is said there is always something new to learn, and this week I discovered from reading Dorothy Simpson’s obituary that she and Harry Elford were siblings. I have known both the Simpson family and the Elford’s for years, yet this fact escaped me. My sympathies to all of them once more!
Cold weather is coming, and Bob Kirvan informs me the Horseshoe Club at the Museum has finished for the year. It was shorter but successful in numbers. We hope all those new members will turn out for the General Meeting of the Historical Society planned for sometime in December.
Please note the activities planned by the new curator of the Museum, still to come. Fright Night brought 117 adults and 128 children prowling the museum grounds.
Congratulations to Olivia Kokkinen, who was awarded Academic All Canadian. This is given to student athletes who also manage to obtain 80% or over academically.
Congratulations to Derek Hackner, who ran a very exhausting race with the school club and, after several setbacks, still finished. It takes grit! Happy birthday to Karen Majarah Shreeve, who celebrated her 50th. Also, to Troy Jackson, who has passed that mark a little. Tammie Stemp, the wife of Ryan’s, also enjoyed a birthday celebration. Big congratulations to Grant Evans, who has managed 60 years. Hard to believe that I knew him from a baby!
Roger Varley enjoyed his 81st birthday and, right or wrong; Roger is always interesting! Happy birthday also to Karen Popadynec. Karen is the youngest of Bruce and Barbara Harwood’s lovely daughters. Birthday wishes go to Steve Lougheed, husband of Louise Weir. The Lougheeds have two sons.
Jamie Elizabeth, the fiancé of Trevor Cox, enjoyed a birthday even though Trevor was coaching hockey in Port Perry. I am sure he arrived home in time for a celebration! Birthday wishes go out to Erin Blackstock, a successful singer, songwriter and musician. Erin has a son and daughter to help her celebrate. Congratulations to Neil Elford, who has reached the grand age of 65 and may think of retirement.