It’s been a while since I’ve written on my blog. I guess the adventures in Saskatchewan aren’t as plentiful or as interesting as those in Africa. Still, its Christmas with lots of fun times planned for the holidays, so it seems like a good time to put pen to paper (huh….like I’m going to scribble words when I can type three times as fast).
This is the first Christmas since Marilyn’s father passed away so we are glad to be here. I’m sure there will be some sad moments and also lots of happy memories. Last year, Ed and Marg got out their flying machine and delivered presents around the neighbourhood. The picture below was taken just as they were landing in our driveway. Marg, as you can see from the expression on her face, was a bit nervous with Ed’s/Santa’s flying, especially when he kept taking one hand off the wheel to wave to everyone.
It has been cold in Hanley since October with temperatures having gone as low as -24C. I can’t say I like it that much but it does create a beautiful landscape. The trees have been filled with ‘hoarfrost’ and it really is quite amazing. Hoarfrost, for those who don’t know, is a deposit of needle-like ice crystals formed on the trees by direct condensation at temperatures below freezing point. When the sun shines on the limbs it is stunning.
Hoarfrost close up
Marilyn has been involved in quite a few musical functions during the past few months. Wherever we go people seek her out. She played at the Remembrance Day Ceremonies at the Hanley Hall in November, participated in the Classical Afternoon variety show in Saskatoon, co-directed the Hanley Christmas Concert with her cousin Kathy, and has been giving voice lessons to some students at the Hanley Composite School.
Remembrance Day
Marilyn introduced ‘Reader’s Theatre’ into the Christmas concert and convinced me to participate with two other people in reading through “The Gift of the Maji” which is a clever little tale about a young couple who are so anxious to give each other a loving present for Christmas they both screw up.
Song from Mikado at the Classical Afternoon
When the sun was shining one cold day (they’re all cold), I decided to go for a walk around the town of Hanley and take some pictures.
The Hanley Pub
The Hanley Arena
As with many small towns, Hanely struggles to raise money for its community hall and arena and curling rink. The ice in the rink is installed and maintained by volunteers and there are lots of fund raising dinners and shows. Hanley had an active Community Theatre Group which put on plays for the past 15 years but those in charge got tired and there hasn’t been a play for the past two years. Although quite successful in raising funds, the Theatre Group failed to nurture new people who would take over which is a fundamental principle if you want to develop a strong sense of community.
Ice Rink Inside
When I was out for my walk, I was easily able to access the inside of the arena – all the doors were open so the cold air from outside could freeze the ice inside.
Marilyn and I took Marilyn’s mom to see the Enchanted Forest in Saskatoon which is a major “winter” tourist attraction. Sponsored by many businesses, it is a display of amazing lights which has grown and developed over the years. It takes about an hour to travel through it in your car.
Entrance gates to the Enchanted Forest
Just one of the many “light” creations
The “Idle No More” protest initiative (which was actually started by some women in SK) has been spreading across the country and Marilyn and I joined the protest in Saskatoon last Friday. It is primarily a ‘native Canadian’ protest movement but has interest to anyone concerned about recent changes to the Federal environmental regulations. I’ve joined a lot of protests in my day but this one is unique because it is based in ‘native ritual’ with drumming and singing.
Aboriginal ‘prayers’ near the Saskatchewan River
‘Circle’ of friendship while the drums beat
I think the world could use a good ‘cleansing’ but, alas, the Mayan prediction didn’t come true. The bomb shelter we constructed in our back yard cost $30,000 but right from the beginning I knew we could use it for all kinds of other things if the Mayan’s were wrong. Looks like we’ll have a great ‘cold storage’ room for next year’s vegetables, an extra bedroom when guest stay over, or a safe haven after Korea and Iran develop nuclear weapons.
We are having Christmas dinner with Marilyn’s immediate family today (Dec 23) and going bowling on Dec 28 with about 50 members of her extended family. After the bowling we are having traditional Christmas pizza and going back t0 Aunt Ag’s for a sing-a-long.
Marilyn and I wish all of you a happy holiday and a fantastic 2013. Unlike the guy in the picture below, we hope your ‘ride’ through 2013 stays on track.
Heading home after a fun night at the pub in Hanley
