Almost every day, we can give thanks that we live where we do in Ontario, Canada. We haven’t had to contend with fire or flood, although some people did have serious damage from the tornado. We do not have enemy soldiers out to kill anyone who gets in their way. Or make the widowed women or young girls marry the soldier who killed their husband, father or brother as in Afghanistan.
We do not have to face the devastation of an earthquake. Like the one that has destroyed much of the infrastructure in Haiti, where they have never recovered from previous earthquakes. A hurricane may be bearing down on them as well.
We can be thankful that our country can afford to buy enough vaccines for everyone while other countries still do not have enough. Talking to friends in St. Lucia and Belize today, numbers are ramping up quickly, and there is still not enough to go around while we talk of third doses.
Although it has been hot here, it is not nearly as hot as in BC and the prairies. Our air is generally clear, and we have been blessed with rains that they have not received.
Here is a thought from Carol O’Neil with today’s message:
Butterflies and Pebbles Go into this week with the attitude that your peace, your health of mind, and your heart mean more than getting everything else done. That your smile matters; that feeling rested matters. That holding the hand of your loved ones matter. So pause lots, function at a pace that doesn’t pull you apart. Honour the things that make you feel good inside, the things that make you feel alive. Give time to those things this week. Make time the gift it is, by giving it to what really matters to you. — S.C. Lourie
Happy birthday to Mary Anne Herrema! Best wishes for better health for Bob Blackstock after spending some time in hospital.
The Sandford Zephyr Charge held a reopening meeting earlier in the week and tentatively decided on September 12th at Sandford. Of course, this will depend on the course that COVID-19 takes! On Monday, August 16th, there will be a Zoom Official Board meeting.
The Uxbridge Scott Historical Society/ Heritage Centre is once again open. After four years, Pat Neal has retired, probably to spend more time on her beautiful weaving art. One of the things she managed to accomplish during the pandemic was to get a grant that made all the walkways accessible, paved the parking lot, and upgraded the security lighting.
Taking her place is Jessica Lanziner, who has organized a number of new exhibits. The horseshoe pitching has been underway for some time. I was surprised to be made an honourary member the other day, having never pitched a shoe (horse that is) since I was a kid!
One building that has been an active part of the Heritage museum for many years, 1981 in fact, is the Nesbitt shed. This building was moved from the farm of Bob and Muriel Nesbit, who were founding members of the USHS. Bob died a number of years ago, and Muriel just this past week, age 100+3mo., the same age as my mother. Muriel was from a large Kydd family and leaves her sisters Joyce Leek and Mary Kydd. She was a wonderful lady with many talents, which she shared with her community. She and Bob had three children, four granddaughters, two grandsons, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. My posting on Facebook elicited many memories from several who knew her as children growing up as neighbours or taking part in community events with their mothers. They were lovely tributes and so well deserved!
Also passing away this week, another well-known life-long resident of the area, Gord Harrison! Gord was 95, and he and Mary recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. They have three children, with four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. It was always so pleasant to chat with Mary and Gord at the Seniors’ luncheons and other events around the area. Gord farmed for many years while Mary taught school. Our sympathies to both these families whose seniors have contributed so much to this area!
The Maud Squad is busy again. They have had one tea, and there will be others on August 18th, when Sarafino, the olive oil company, will present. Tickets are $30. Call to reserve. On August 25th, Passionate Cook Essentials with Lisa Hutchinson will be presenting.
This is the 10th anniversary of the screening of the one-woman show, “Maud of Leaskdale,” featuring Jennifer Carroll and written by Conrad Boyce. The play will be presented on August 27th, 28th at 7 p.m. and again on August 29th, at 3 p.m.
August 30th is Lucy Maud Montgomery Day with a special feature, “The Pandemic and Lucy Maud Montgomery.” Please come out and enjoy these special events. All COVID protocols will be followed.