Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

“Summer time, and the living is easy,” says an old song. Well, for some, like a lot of kids, now school is out, that is true, but certainly not for most people, farmers especially.

Haying in many versions is keeping them busy, trying to interpret the weather forecast, about which there are many complaints; they get it wrong. Well, rain was forecast, some got it, others didn’t, and we didn’t, and surprisingly, the ground is very dry.

Wasn’t that a banger the other night? I was sitting in my chair reading when BANG came a huge thunderclap, just one, followed by three major flashes of lightning. My first thought was that something in the house blew up. That was it, a few dribbles of rain, no more, and no more since. Someone did see a double rainbow, though.

Spring was not a normal one since we had fewer warm days. The beginning of summer looks like it will make up for it with extremely hot days. We know much of Europe suffered under extreme heat, as did the Caribbean and some southern US areas, and it appears we might be in for it too. It was forecast some months ago that we would have a hot, dry summer. Starting early. We can be thankful we are unlikely to have earthquakes of any magnitude, as those are destroying parts of Venezuela and threatening other South and Central American countries as well.

The cool spring allowed my perennials to last longer and gave new ones a better start, so I hope they don’t get burned off as they are looking good now. Every day I have a few ducks on the pond, but nothing like what I had a few weeks ago, 25-30. What I did see at the pond and flying over was a pair of blue herons. I often have one hunting for frogs and tadpoles in the reeds, but two is unusual. My other source of enjoyment is my squirrels. Oh yes, it’s hard to keep them off my squirrel-proof feeders, but I have some unique ones. One black one has a white tip on its tail. Another has a completely orange tail, like someone had caught him and dipped him in dye. One has a beautiful, fluffy tail, while others have rat tails. These are all black, but in different shades.

The community was saddened to learn of the passing of Bev Bain of Zephyr. Bev was at one time the deputy Sheriff of the Region, while her husband, Morley, was Sheriff. There is no funeral, but there will be a gathering at the Barnes Funeral Home on Thickson Road on July 18th from 2 to 4 p.m. All are welcome to share memories, photos, etc. Our deepest sympathies to Karen (Bain) and Wayne Rynard, and their families and to her niece Pat.

Some people had happy celebrations this week too, including Cindy Barnett, one of my cousins, Anne Gage, with great musical ability, and Bob Kirvan. At 91, Bob is one of the great movers and shakers in the community, having started the horseshoe pitching group at the museum, just one example. This group meets each Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at the Uxbridge Museum grounds. First game free; membership is $30 per season and also gives you access to any talks at the museum. Also, Donna Mathewson had a birthday. Donna is the daughter of our church pianist and also the mother of several very musical children who often entertain us. Garry Harrison also had a birthday. I am not sure if he celebrated alone or if his wife and daughter arrived home from another of their spectacular tours in time to celebrate with him.

North Durham Nature held its July meeting at Uxbridge Senior Centre on Tuesday evening. It turned out to be a triple header event. Derek Connelly started the meeting by asking the audience what birds they had seen and then about turtles. A young lady then demonstrated a box-like enclosure that folks could make to protect turtle nests and eggs while still allowing babies to exit as they hatched. Mothers depart once the eggs are laid. The second show was by a gentleman who had discovered a Kirkland Warbler in a nearby preserve. This would not have been terribly exciting except that this is not their usual territory. He was able to get some excellent photos to share. The third episode was a safari to Africa narrated and shown by James and Lynda Kamstra. This was a wonderful presentation showcasing most of the iconic birds and animals across the ecological variety of a small but exceptional part of the African continent. I also went to Africa many years ago when our leader was the wonderful artist Robert Bateman.

Friday Night at the Foster is well underway. On June 19th, we heard the wonderful Jonathan Liebich Choir of New Song Church, Port Perry. Their repertoire is quite different than any of the other groups we offer. On June 26th, Michael Howitt and his guitar were featured, and on July 3rd, Douglas Mackenzie will be playing his guitar versions. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert at 7 p.m. Admission by donation, $10 suggested.

Sandford Decoration service at the cemetery, June 28th, was conducted by Rev. Li. Zephyr Zion Decoration will be at 2:30 p.m., July 5th, with Pastor Laura Kay conducting the service. Next Sunday, July 5th, we look forward to having Carol O’Neil once more conduct the service for us. Service starts at 10 a.m., and all are welcome.