Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

Its Sunday night, the night of the morning of time change so everything is a little strange again. I hate getting up in the dark but don’t like it dark before the afternoon is half over. At least when I lived in the Caribbean it was pretty much the same both ends of the day, no switching about. Living in the north it’s going to be dark either end no matter what we do. Of course, since I lived in Jamaica for 2 years I was very concerned about my friends there. Fortunately, they were not so seriously affected as the community is at the far eastern end of the island, in the Blue Mountains. It was the west and more touristy parts which were severely damage and destroyed!

The other thing is that our beautiful coloured leaves have mostly fallen now, with the wind, rain and frost. The frost of course finished pretty well any flowers that were outside so now I have to get my dahlias, glads and cannas etc all cleaned up and inside. It’s getting crowded already! One thing I have abundance of is apples. My tree is 50 years old, maybe 50’ tall and hollow, but this year it has more fruit than ever before I think. Send me a message if you would like to pick some. The taller you are the better!

Not quite so many celebrations this week! Happy birthday to our young songstress Julien Kelland. Julien is in high demand at all times. I expect to see her on a float in the Santa Parade singing her heart out! Happy birthday also to farmer John Leppard who almost made it with his son last week! My great niece Hayley Ashton is 23 and her dad’s right hand, still deeply involved in helping 4 H groups in the district! Although she left us to go live closer to her son and his family, also her sister, Brenda Harwood Moore is always remembered on her birthday! Birthday greetings also to fireman Troy Jackson, whose mom, Pat grew up with(after) me! Special wishes to counselled Pam Beach and husband Ed who celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary!I expect they are feeding up the deer and polishing the ride ready for show day.,Santa’s parade is only 16 days away, Nov. 15th.!

On Tuesday last the Community Care group lunched at Douglas Crossing. Following the usual bountiful and delicious lunch we were taken on a wee journey down the hall to the Fright Room. And frightful it was, full werewolves, devils, laughing maniacs and all kinds of hands reaching for you. What great actors but those shrieking ladies must have had sore throats after. That evening North Durham Nature held their regular meeting at the Seniors. There was a goodly crowd and the speaker was talking about “Queer Biology” an unusual and interesting subject. However, the erratic behaviour of the microphone spoiled the session, as it does so often! Fortunately many of her slides had captions for explanation! On Wednesday there was an open house celebrating/bemoaning the retirement of lawyer Bob Sedore! I say bemoaning because he has been my lawyer since the passing of Vern(Bill)Bailey many years ago now. I think I was not alone in that! He can now join his Rev. Wife in catching up on planned activities! Good health and good times! Deborah and Dwight Clements have been visiting family in BC! Deborah first visited her son and her brother, both named John and then both ads visited their other son, in a different part of B.C. Thursday was supposed to be yard day but it rained and rained. Ok, we needed rain, just not then! Friday our Epsom Girls met for lunch, always a treat to get together although our numbers were depleted by various illnesses. Halloween and the fate of the Bluejays corralled the next 3 days! Very sad for many diehard fans!

Lots of events in Nov.! On Fri. Nov. 7, the final “Jazz in Leaskdale,”at the historic Leaskdale church will play at 7:30 PM. Tom Baker, Doug Ferris and James Warburton are the musicians. Leaskdale Christmas Loop will be on Nov. 15 and 16 with lots to be seen. Also on the 16th, the Foster Memorial and Ladies of the Foster will do a reading of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol”, 2PM at the Foster! Admission by donation! All welcome! The Zephyr Scott Lions club will be holding their Winter Market on Nov. 22 at Zephyr Hall. On Oct 25th they held their Charter event. Until then they were sponsored by the Udora Lions. They have already been involved in many community events and raised a goodly amount of money for various organizations! A big congratulations and thanks for your efforts! The Uxbridge Genealogy Group will meet Nov.20. Ongoing is the research on British Home Children. If you know of someone who was one or has relatives who were, please contact Linda Boyd at the Library! The Horticultural Group meets Wed. Nov. 12. Special for the evening is a silent auction, a major fundraiser for the group. Items for auction are requested! NDN meets again Nov.25, at Scugog Library! Speaking of Libraries I had a visit this week from Bruce Brandon who autographed a lovely book of poems he has written over the years, a much appreciated gift.

Sandford Zephyr church service was led this week by Ken McEvoy, LLWL. His message about prayer. Next week we will hold our Remembrance Day service with special piping by James Amundson, who I am told will soon be new pipe major for the Uxbridge pipes and drums! All are welcome to worship with us , 10 am! The following week we welcome back Rev.Carol Baggett. It’s been awhile! The 23rd will be our anniversary service, the first as an amalgamated congregation. This service will be at 11 a rather than 10, followed by chatting and a lunch together.