Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

Well, it’s July, and the celebrations are over! I understand there was plenty to do in Uxbridge to celebrate July 1st, though the storms likely cancelled many of the planned events.

Out in the country, the only fireworks came from the sudden, widespread wind, thunder, and lightning storm, which took out a great number of trees and caused many power outages. The whole of Sandford Road, the village and other areas were without power for hours. The Sandford Road outage was caused by two very large, and probably old, trees that came down in the cemetery, flinging their branches out toward the wires outside. Our power was out from 7 p.m. Wednesday to noon on Thursday. Others reported longer periods. So, no hydro, no water, (and for many no AC), no internet and my cell phone was almost out of juice. Do you know what worked? My old landline phone. They keep trying to make me and others give up our landlines, but they are a lifeline in such a situation. Someone reported their hydro was out for two days, and their concern now was the food in the refrigerator and freezer.

The heat has been vitality-sapping, even if you didn’t spend much time outside, but the rain did counteract the heat and dryness, so it wasn’t necessary to water all the lovely planters I had just finished a day or so before. Chief climatologist Dave Philips said we are probably in for more of these hot days, so we need to be prepared with spare water, flashlights, food that doesn’t need refrigeration, and even a generator. Of course, I think most of our farmers already have generators for their barns because cattle and other animals need to be cared for regularly.

The heat has not seemed to deter my birds from the feeders. In fact, I would really like to get rid of the many grackles that gobble up seed from the feeders. If they stayed on the ground, it would be okay, but they don’t. Does anyone know a solution? This morning I saw such a beautiful sight at my north feeders. All at the same time, there was a male and female cardinal, a male purple finch, and two male rosebreasted grosbeak. I have seen at least five male rose-breasted grosbeaks now. You can tell by their differently designed bib and drip. Also, this morning I saw four female mallards on the pond, one with a baby following. Is this all that’s left of the nine babies I saw last week? I sure hope not. One more animal sighting: I saw a black squirrel with several white streaks on its back. I got a good look at him too.

Congratulations to Robyn Ottolini, who will be entertaining at a number of western sites, beginning in Winnipeg on July 5th and on for much of the summer, including the Calgary Stampede!

Speaking of entertainers, most older folk were probably saddened to learn of the death of Tommy Hunter. He was a wonderful singer and a great example of a life well lived, unlike some of our present entertainers, for whom anything goes. At the same time, let’s remember the Friday Night at the Foster series, which continues until October. On Friday, July 10th, David Doner, one of our regular contributors, will be entertaining with finger-style guitar, Folk, Blues and old-style country. The doors open at 7:30 p.m., with funds going toward maintaining this unique building. Despite the evening heat, 11 hardy souls played horseshoes last week. This happens at 6 p.m. every Tuesday evening at the museum grounds. Membership is $30 with the first game free and free entry into events, talks, etc, held at the museum. Also check out the Rylepuss musical presentation of “The Blue Castle”, the only one of L. M. Montgomery’s books written for adults. Tickets are $30 and obtainable through starticketing.com. See the LMMontgomery Society web page. Sadly, there will be no more Senior Lunches until October, although I believe there will be registration and membership sign-up in September.

July 5th was the Zion Cemetery Decoration service in Zephyr in the afternoon. Pastor Laura Kay conducted the service. Laura, her husband and older daughter welcomed another daughter, Jesse, to the family in June. Our congregation sends them all greetings.

As always, Gayle and Ron Cordingly both celebrated their birthdays together again. Hopefully, this will continue for many years to come. Birthday wishes also to our own Sheila Richardson, 86. We don’t see her often, but our thoughts are frequently with her and Bill, whom we do see. Greetings also to Gary LeDrew 84. Gary grew up in Uxbridge with his sister Gail and parents Celia and Harold, both artists, and followed in their footsteps. However, he now lives in the Maritimes but has led a very varied life and has some wild tales to tell. Two of my very favourite ladies have transcended recent falls and are recuperating well. Both are 100 years young. Dorothy Munro has been back home for several weeks and is getting along well, while Marie Wilson finally got moved into Butternut Manor. New place, new friend. These ladies have been part of my life forever.

At church on Sunday, we were happy to welcome back Carol O’Neil to conduct the service. We always enjoy her messages and company, along with her husband, Mark Clarke. We look forward to them being with us again in a few more weeks.