As summer wanes, random thoughts percolate in the old (another year older later this month) grey matter.
All too soon frost will put the glory to an end, but a fragrant bouquet to municipal employees on both sides of the river for the amazing job they have done keeping the beautiful plant pots overflowing with colour all summer. Their work reflects pride in community to all who travel through.
Kudos also to whoever is responsible for the wonderful upgrade of picnic and bonfire facilities on Finlayson Island. The new, improved garbage receptacles will also greatly improve the facility. Just remember to use them!
The parks look fantastic, downtown streets are cleaner than they've been for a long time and the main street has a fresh coat of asphalt, many yards are lovingly tended and are mini parks in themselves. The Battlefords are looking great.
No matter what picture crime statistics paint, we don't have to go very far to see a community that radiates pride and community spirit.
So, let's hold that close to our hearts as we look to Middle East and the citizens of embattled Syria. Let's revel in the relative safety and security we enjoy, while the world powers decide whether they should deal with the chemical weapon deaths of Syrian citizens by killing some more with bomb attacks.
The world is really a crazy place, so it is incumbent on us to recognize the contributions of all those who make our world safe.
