Seems every day we seem to get a bit more snow, we just get our hill cleared off so we can go up and own and another dump of snow. Good for the fields I would guess.
March can be a nasty month on the prairie we used to start lambing in March. And we would get some warmer weather but some bad besides. Mother had a great big cook stove and huge oven and lots of times when the lambs would get cold we would lay them on this big oven door on a blanket until they warmed up.
Some times there would be a box of little pigs on the oven door to warm up. Once or twice there would be a half frozen calf or a colt maybe. Lots of the ranch ladies would have a cold calf or colt or lamb on her oven door to thaw them out. Hats off to these old time ladies and some of the hardships they had to go through. And of lots of them no running water and it had to be carried from an outside well.
Farewell service
On Saturday last there was a farewell service held at the Island Gospel church for the late Innes Short. Innes was what you would call the backbone of the Lakes District. He was known far and wide for his great knowledge of ranching and raising cattle. He had been at it most all his life. He knew it and did it well.
Whatever Innes did he always did it well, what a credit he was to his family with wonderful memories he has left behind him. Innes will be missed by his family so much and also so many friends he had made through his many years in this district. Old cowboys never die, they just ride into the sunset and wait there for us to catch up. (This is not one of my quotes).
Otters
Folks are reporting seeing the otters swimming in the lake. Yesterday one was on an ice flow enjoying itself. There are two adult and a younger one. They sure must have a warm coat to stand the cold water. They are in and out all the time. Makes me cold just to watch them.
Bennett buggy
If the price of fuel goes as high it has been predicted folks may have to do what folks during the depression had to do, and this is gospel truth. Strip the body off the auto, drop the drive line, remove the motor and weld a long tongue on the steering and hook on a team of horses.
They were called Bennett buggies, named after R. B. Bennett who at that time was prime minister so he got the blame for the depression so to honour him they called his horse drawn vehicle the bennett buggy.
Our dad made a dandy one. Got an old car, as our car like many others was on blocks, no money no gas. Tore it down and built a frame of lumber, put on two seats and it was a bennett buggy.
The wheels were the same size as our car so he took the tires off the car and mounted them on the buggy. After we could afford to drive the car again dad put the car ties back on and put tires on the buggy. In fact it was so handy we brought it to B.C. with us.
As the first thing taken off the old cars was the gas tank, it left old gas tanks all over the country. One smart old boy took the motor out of his car, mounted it on a skid and used it to run his buzz saw for cutting wood. He used it for years.
Good friends
Once more I am very thankful and grateful to the Cheslatta Carrier Nation for bringing me another load of wood. It’s such a nice load all split and piled for me. The whole band has been very kind to me and I really do appreciate it. Thank you all again, you are good friends.
Good news
It’s good news on the front page of our local paper and I quote “Welcome home reception for Babine Forest Products worker Derek MacDonald.” This is great news. Time is a wonderful healer and no doubt as time goes on things will get back to normal.
This has been a terrible blow to our district. But we must look ahead and instead of looking back look into the future with hope.
The good news is our food bank is responding to local needs and are doubling its operating hours to keep up. This food bank is a godsend to so many families who are in need.
Time flies as it’s over ten years now helping folks in need. It’s open to anyone so don’t hesitate to pick up some food that has been so generously donated. It’s there for you. I have some friends who picked up a box of groceries the other day and they really did appreciate it.
The box contained a very nice variety of food stuff. A big thanks to the volunteers who give their time and energy.I understand they can use more help.
Sad news
I am very sorry to hear of the accidental shooting causing the death of Carol Anne Sandercott. She was a very good friend of our family. She worked in the Burns Lake bank for many years. Carol was well known and liked.
Wonderful memories
I have a room upstairs which at one time was our boys bedroom. It looks over the lake and everyday something different happen out in the lake.
I have looked out over the lake now for over a lifetime, 72 years now.
There have been so many changes some good and some not so good. I have seen tragedy many times and also many wonderful things as well.
Like loving the most precious lady in the world for over 60 years. Raising a family and enjoying living, making so many wonderful friends who have stayed as friends for a lifetime.
I would not change my life even it I could. Yes, I have made mistakes no doubt many but I have forgiven myself. Why not?
It will be a very sad day for me when I have to leave the lake, but time waits for no man. And these wonderful memories I have will stay with me for as long as I live.
The folks that ready my column every week are more like family than readers. You have all been great.
Take care have a safe week, the life you save could be our own so slow down and enjoy the drive, what’s five minutes in the rest of your life. Always remember God loves you and so do I.