Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

It’s probably been 70 years since I last went to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), so I came across an online piece about three young people given $90 each to see how far they could make it go. I was flabbergasted by the price of the few things they bought: food, playing games, etc. $90 would have seemed like a fortune back in the day, but it didn’t stretch far that day. I can’t imagine how families with several kids could afford to spend much time there. It would have been nice though to see and perhaps talk to astronaut Jeremy Hansen on opening day.

The gardens are rotating through their various flowers and still have a great deal of colour. I had planned last year to enter several things in the flower show at the Uxbridge Fall Fair, but since I haven’t been able to work with them this Spring and Summer, I will have to enjoy them myself. I had a plant in the house I was thinking of showing, but I neglected to water it, and it got pretty floppy. Speaking of this, I want to thank again those who have called, sent cards, and emailed with concern for my health. It is greatly appreciated.

Speaking of gardens, the herb gardens at the Uxbridge Scott Museum are free for anyone who wants some herbs. They were abundant, so hopefully still there if you want some. Also at the museum, the horseshoe players meet each Tuesday evening. Last week, 21 attended, with four new players. Cost is $35 for the season (0n til October) and includes free admission to events by the Historical Society. I was pleased to see improvements at the Train Station. It's also being used for events. This is a unique building and deserves to be well cared for. It sounds like Art in the Park was a roaring success, and if you missed it or need another Art fix, the “Art on the Fringe,” held on the museum grounds, will be September 19th and 20th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with many of the same artists and musicians taking part. I believe the wrong date was in last week.

I find it interesting to hear the ads about the movie of the life of Northern Dancer. It was an exciting time in our part of the country since some of our neighbours were into racing. Dad always had to take time off from his barn chores and other events to watch the TV races.

The big events coming up soon are the two-day Tractor Pull and the Uxbridge Fall Fair. This is the first time for a two-day pull, and it appears to include all kinds of tractors as well as trucks, on September 11th and 12th, at 7 p.m., with Durham 4H young people on September 13th, at 1 p.m. I am told a special event is scheduled at some time during these days. Birthdays this week include Keith Doucette and Dianne Benns. I include them together because they are cousins. Keith’s Mom and Dianne’s dad were siblings. One of our birding specialists, James Kamstra, also celebrates a birthday. James has spent much of his adult life studying birds, quite a few in Belize, where I lived for some time. Michelle Harrison also celebrated. She and her mom, Yvonne, are often on extended trips, but their last was a few months ago. They are very adventurous.