Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

I am pretty shy on news this week, mostly because I have been confined. This is the week when a lot of things are happening, which I will miss, mostly lunches- sorority, Community Care at Douglas Crossing, etc.

On Wednesday evening the Uxbridge Horticultural Group will meet at the Seniors Centre. It’s mid-summer so there will be a wondrous variety of flowers in a range of colours. You can’t help being envious, even if you have lots of your own.

Wasn’t that a thunderous rain midweek? There had been some warning, but the sun came back out and then suddenly 'boom' the rain came thundering down. If there hadn't been thunder, you wouldn’t have heard it. I watched it bounce at least a foot off the garage roof. My friend Anne had just brought me a gorgeous lily, and I planned to water it shortly. Then I didn’t need to, along with a couple of others, which showed signs of drying out. That problem was solved. I did worry about the damage the downpour might do to my flowers in the gardens, but the growth was thick enough to sustain them. In a few days we will probably be crying for rain once more.

Anyone have tent caterpillars in their trees? I seem to have quite a few, but high up, too high to reach from the ground. I usually can spray them or burn them, but most of these are not accessible. Since all the trees have quite heavily foliage, I think I will leave them, although I don’t think the birds will eat them; the hairs get stuck in their throats.

Best wishes to all those who celebrated special events this week. Birthday wishes to Paul Broad. I never speak of him without thinking about his dad Jack, who could cheer up anyone with his laughter and joking. Best wishes also to the lovely Amy Smalley. I suppose she isn’t as busy now as she was, since many, if not all, of the kids are no longer at home part-time or at all, as they are all busy with fulfilling jobs and careers. Another well-known celebrant is Conrad Boyce, who celebrates his birthday one day after mine. He reminded me that he will be at the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society (LMMS) at the end of the month for the special play, once more presented by Jennifer Carroll.

Special wishes to my nephew Robert Ashton and his wife Allison, who celebrated their 25th anniversary at the farm Friday night. A large number of mostly family members enjoyed the evening of reminiscing. I recalled that I was still living in Belize but came home for the occasion, bought a new dress (dresses were the thing in those days) and doubt I ever wore it again. On Sunday we celebrated my son Ivan’s birthday, although it was actually Thursday, with a little gathering at the house. My brother Jerry also celebrated his 83rd birthday on Saturday, at home in Hanover with six out of seven of his granddaughters.

There was a goodly crowd at the Foster Friday night of about 55, with a well-known presenter who had changed his style. Next week the Shimoda family of Stouffville once more perform for us, always a treat, and you never know just who in the family besides mom and dad will be performing, as the sons are very accomplished.

I still have word that an Uxbridge piano is available, for free, for the taking away. It has only had two owners: the first, who got it from the Uxbridge Piano and Organ Co. many years ago, and the lady who now owns it. This lady is renovating her home, has a second piano, and no longer has room for this one. This organ would need tuning after moving, but the woodwork is still in great shape. Please contact me if you want it or know someone who does. This is an historic piece of Uxbridge.