HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"The best yet," was the chorus that met Connie the day after our Banquet on December 13th. But she modestly waved us off and gave credit to her helpers. Three volunteers offer to roast the turkeys (Connie watches for the bargains). There is the food to purchase and so many details to plan. Heidi is always looking for more volunteers in her entertainment department. There are many stories to be told, prose or poetry, recounting early days in our province as well as from prairie days. Heidi leads the orchestra with her harp, Sebastain plays his mandolin, the sweet strains of the violin are added by Don, as Jake tucks in the guitars runs. Everyone enjoys singing carols that put us all in the seasons mood.

The muscle men arrange tables and keep watch for ice on the sidewalks after a few flakes of melting snow. The big snow waited another week before descending with a blast. A thin layer of ice before the heavy snow moved in leaving a tricky balancing act for walkers trying to stay upright. Vancouver is having the same problem this year. Speaking of the snow shovels, I took a push with one but was happy to give it back to the more efficient strata council member. Ray, Jake and Ted invite anyone with a strong heart to join the "The Swinging Shovel" club.

There is an old saying, "The walls have ears," and I've heard so many speak about the work involved in keeping the sidewalks safe. The rest of us are happy to help any way we are able. Since living in a condo development, one could add another saying, "The windows have eyes." We all do feel very grateful for those who keep an eye on sidewalk safety. Those who live in the even numbered condos have an ideal view. When meeting at the mail box they are happy to report "I see the three musketeers have cleared the walk and we can more safely walk to town." According to doctors (check first of course) this exercise is good for the heart and strengthens the bones as well.