When I sit here writing these articles, I just have to turn my head to look through a window which gives me a panoramic view of the countryside around here. As I sit here trying to decide what to write, I can see the farming community revving up to full speed as they plant this year's crops.
At one time in my life I was involved as an active part of this operation and looking back on those times I have special memories. It was a time when hard work was just a fact of life and each and every member of the extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins all had a part to play in this choreography that was the essence of each and every farming family.
Today, as I look out and watch this take place, even though I am not actively involved, some of the same feelings I felt back then fill me with contentment. Those times, as well as these, harbour a sense of hope in the future as each one involved dreams of the crops that will soon be rearing their leaves through the soil as they reach towards the sun. We all look forward with anticipation to the days when we see fields of green waving in the breezes of summer, and of course the promise of plenty for all.
I remember thinking how my uncles were what I viewed as the true farmers when, to them, there was nothing more fulfilling that to smell the upturned earth as they sowed their crops. These same uncles were the ones who couldn't have really cared if they got 10 or 40 bushels to the acre as long as they could see grain flowing into the hopper of the combine and from there into the trucks and on to storage.
I still can relate as I watch the much larger seeding units from the window of our office and smell the freshly turned earth, and in that package I again also relish that hope of what is to come. Of course, I don't have the worries of input costs but when I listen to the talk in the coffee shop I very seldom hear any deep concerns voiced. Most of the time there is just the aura of expectancy and hope that is the essence of what can keep this race called humans going no matter what the circumstances.
For those of you who purchased tickets on the Meota Lakeshore Lions car sink, if you are still wondering, you didn't win. The winner was Ernie Callow of Cochin who hit closest to the time of day that it officially went down. The actual date for those who may try to keep track from year to year was April 22 and the time was 6:24 in the evening. For his efforts with his crystal ball Ernie won $425. The Lions want to thank everyone who bought tickets this year and supported a worthy fundraising project.
This past Sunday night the Do Drop In held a fundraising supper to augment their budget. They sold 50 tickets ahead of time which were gone very quickly. I was busy cooking steaks at the time and thus was unable to attend but am told it was a great meal with some good socializing.
In card play April 12, first place in canasta went to Ken Tucker, second was taken by Bernice Tait, third place was garnered by Linda Ard and fourth spot was taken by Fred Gansauge. First place went to Beulah Corbeil with Vern Iverson taking second April 27.
There have been three dates for contract bridge since I last wrote. The three first place winners were Vern Iverson, Trudy Iverson and Warren Iverson. The second place winners were Joe Pirot with Robert Iverson taking second on two occasions.
In duplicate bridge play on three occasions the first place teams were Lou and Bernie Gregoire on two gatherings and Vern Iverson with Mary Greenwald on the other occasion. The second place teams were Ray and Marnie Davie, Ross Morton with Jim Hamilton and Marg Dyck with Bea Novlan.
Quote: "Through humour you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it." Unknown
