JOYS OF COUNTRY LIVING

Spring brings life anew and will soon begin its 2009 version. We all hope the fruit blossoms will not get frosted like some of them did last year.
Gardening will be in full swing and bring along its challenges as the season rolls into summer and fall. It's wonderful to live close to town and have space for a garden to tend, enjoy, and also help with the grocery bill. Ted and Gertrude Bazell have properly celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary with surprise plans worked out by their four children. It was a pleasant afternoon at the Halina Center with a special singer as family and friends took a turn at the mike recounting pleasant memories of times together.

Of course the years have demanded trade-offs as limitations present challenges. Type 2 Diabetes brought changes for Dad, with limited driving skills and requirements for a special diet. Later a medical checkup reluctantly informed them that Mom's eyes could no longer pass the driving test. She had to surrender her driver's license. There were other health challenges as well. Once again their children sprang into action. They were busy with their jobs but did not want to see their parents have to go into a care home or be separated in any way. "Our parents are so comfortable in the home they built together for their retirement, let's find a way for them to stay where they are." Their two sons and two daughters agreed on a plan with one voice.

Early days together found Gertrude working as a postal clerk. Her pleasant smile and gracious ways spread a blanket of cheer to all customers and followed her in every aspect of living. After five years in the army during the Second World War Ted returned to start anew in the Okanagan Valley. Most of the war returnees were anxious to find a wife and settle down. He met Gertrude at a Scout Hall dance. Ted's first job was at the Silver Star lookout that gave them a pleasant summer. Wherever they lived they always had a garden.

Daughter number one was creative in many homemaking areas and even upholstered furniture. The four children agreed on a perfect solution. The parents had savings to draw upon. Avoiding expensive habits like smoking no doubt helped build up some savings. The first daughter agreed to resign from her regular job and spend the same hours each day caring for Dad and Mom. She would be their chauffeur to drive them around town for groceries and any other needs in the city. She could prepare their meals in line with the type of diet required and in the evenings their parents would have each other to relax and recall their many years together and look over family photographs or watch television. An ideal solution and it has been working perfectly for nearly three years so far. And the garden, yes, they can look from a window seat and enjoy the vegetable garden and the fruit trees they planted years ago. A treasure chest of memories cheer their time together and their four children visit often and arrange special parties for birthdays and other holidays.