NEVER forget

Road Scenes - HARVEST rolls along

All over southern Saskatchewan harvest is well ahead of schedule and in some cases wrapping up. I took this photo of a combine in action just north of Grenfell, SK a few miles down the road from Wolseley. In the distance behind the combine is one of the new large grain terminals that have replaced the familiar grain elevators that figured so prominently on the skyline of every prairie town.

LETTER to the Editor

My wife Carla wrote a great letter to the editor in the Indian Head / Wolseley News recently. A number of people have said they appreciated her willingness to speak the truth about vandals and their impact on us. I thought it appropriate to post it on the blog.
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Letter To the Editor

To the heartless moron(s) who vandalized our vehicles in the early morning hours of August 1st in Wolseley:
Here is some information you didn't know or care to know when you tried to siphon gas the easy way, by cutting gas lines on our 1996 Ford Windstar and our 1989 Dodge Colt--you cut the brake line on the Colt, by the way--which were parked outside our garage that night: you caused $123 worth of damage plus days of inconvenience and frustration to an innocent family. We are not nameless or faceless: we are a one-income family with four children, aged four to ten years old. My husband uses our van for his job and is on the road at least half the time. You didn't think about that when you disabled it, did you?
Maybe you thought we were an easy mark because our vehicles were in our driveway instead of the garage, that we deserved the damage for being careless. The truth is, our eldest son was launching his bike-refurbishing business and was letting paint dry on several projects inside the garage. And regardless: our driveway is OUR property. Maybe you assumed we'd have a fat package policy or a healthy savings account to absorb the hit, although if you judged the age and wear of the vehicles, you should've known better. You like weren't thinking at all, considering the cigarette butts found at the scene. Did no one ever tell you that smoking and gas-siphoning are a bad combination?
We moved to this small town for many reasons, not the least of which was the relative lack of crime. It’s ironic that we lived in a major metropolitan centre--population 500,000--in the southern U.S. for nearly eight years with no vandalism; we lived in Regina--population 170,000--for six years with no vandalism, and now here we are in Wolseley--population 800--for less than a year, and we suffer a hit.
It’s hard enough to pay for necessary maintenance of our vehicles, and we certainly have no money earmarked for senseless destruction. So, I want to know: from where in my budget should I skim in order to pay for the repairs? Maybe a week’s groceries? A month’s electric? A couple months of dance lessons for my girls? Hockey season for either of my sons? How about my back-to-school budget?
And it’s more than just money and time you’ve taken from us. You’ve also robbed us of a certain amount of trust. Was this just a crime of convenience or desperation? Will someone come right into our yard next, to look for loot? Into our house?
What good is this letter going to do, other than allowing me to vent my spleen? I hope that you’ll read it and be moved to change. Or perhaps one of your friends or relatives will recognize the circumstances and confront you, and this will lead to a change in your character. Perhaps you’ll even repay us.

Carla Taylor

Canada's PRIME MINISTER chats with Wolseley folks at Regina event

Conservative faithful gathered at Sherwood Forest west of Regina for a BBQ with Prime Minister Stephen Harper last evening.

Although the weather was warm and the wind ferocious it did not interfere with the upbeat attitude in the crowd. And the Prime Minister's message clearly outlined the priorities of his govenrment.

My wife Carla entertained the over 500 people as they anticipated the Prime Minister's arrival and her songs were well received.

Prime Minister Harper, also talked with long-time Wolseley (now Regina) residents Sam Acton and Jackie (Acton) Mason.
When we drove up we were greeted by a young Conservative volunteer, Chris Thresher, from Indian Head and I had a chance to talk with numerous other Conservative and Saskatchewan Party supporters and representatives.

Road Scenes - BLACKBIRDS by the thousands

Last evening as I drove home from Kipling, SK I decided to be adventerous and drive the so-called road/highway #47 . Halfway between Glenavon and Grenfell I encountered huge flocks of blackbirds swarming around a slough by the side of the road.
These photos I took do not do justice to the impressive flock which was comprised of redwing, yellowhead and common blackbirds. And the noise they created was incredible. It is another sign that fall is just around the corner.

Carla Taylor to sing at PRIME MINISTER HARPER event

My wife Carla is honoured to be singing at an event
Conservative Prime Minister
Stephen Harper
will be attending this Tuesday in Regina, SK.

I'll have some photos to post later in the week.

Last RODEO of the summer at Circle Square

Ranchers were in great glee as the last rodeo wrapped up a summer of fun at the ranch. Sheriff Robin Exner was an engaging master of ceremonies. And staff directed by Chantel Sebastian helped the ranchers show off the riding skills they developed over their weeklong stay. Besides horsemanship ranchers enjoyed, BMX bike riding, archery, rock wall climbing, singing, campfires, chapel time and heaps of fun and frivolity.

Town Hall / Opera House gets new PAINT

Larry Unick from Indian Head, and his helper are hard at work painting the Town Hall / Opera house.
This week the men have displayed nerves of steel as they hover high above the town on a crane that almost reaches the top of the wonderful building.

Road Scenes - ANOTHER sunset and some history

Tuesday evening found me traveling across the south of Saskatchewan. At Cadillac, SK I headed north with an eventual destination of Swift Current, SK.
However, my van stalled along side the highway (Fords and 34 degree heat don't mix well). But as a history buff I was fortunate to have stopped beside a cairn marking the historic Fort Walsh / Fort Qu'Appelle trail. And, as one who loves praire sunsets I was again blessed to be soaking in it's beauty.
Half an hour later my van had cooled down and I was able to get rolling again, happy to have witnessed such splendor at an obscure but historic location.

Circle Square Ranch a BLESSING

Circle Square Ranch is located on the former Norman Duncan farm south of Wolseley. Established by Norm Bonk 20 years ago the facility has hosted hundreds of children over the years.
Today we made the short trip out to the ranch to take our son Thomas for his first camp adventure. He was excited! We were greeted by Camp Director Robin Exner astride an impressive black gelding who Robin said Brooke Mercer had loaned the ranch.

Thomas had no fear of loneliness as friend and classmate Randy Paulgaard is there, as are other Dr. Isman students Kaley Mercer and relative Danielle Tubman. Also a number of staff attend church with us in Regina.

Having a camp of this of prominence in our backyard is truly a blessing to families from all over Saskatchewan, and of course the community of Wolseley.

Wolseley HERITAGE Foundation Annual meeting

Saturday evening the Wolseley Heritage Foundation held an Annual General Meeting on the beautiful treed grounds of Wolseley's historic North West Territories Courthouse. David Forsyth guided attendees on a tour of the recently cleaned out and spruced up Courthouse. Special thanks go to Cory Johnstone for his work on the building.

People at the meeting agreed that Heritage Foundation should begin determining an appropriate approach and project that will ensure this building remains an integral part of the community.

Completed in 1895 the building was the Courthouse for the North West Territories until 1909. It then became a jail and barracks for the North West Mounted Police until 1915. Then it was turned into a Detention Home for boys and finally in 1921 formed the original Home for the Infirm (now Lakeside Home). Now vacant, this well maintained historic building is prime for renovation and revitalization.

By-the-way, the meeting had a wonderful blend citizens. Shirley Harris was the chair, Eleanor Dahlman was secretary, Mrs. Lillian Christensen at 90 years old stayed for the entire meeting, and Cheryl Kai (Chatterson) who like me, has recently returned to Wolseley was an interested participant. Others in attendance were, Boyd and Kit Taylor, Margaret Hryniuk, Ruth Banbury, Olga Greening, Rick Dahlman, Dennis Fjestad, Graham and Isabel Taylor, Mr. Fathers and Denise Ketchison and David Forsyth.

Road Scenes - SOURIS, Manitoba's Swinging Bridge

Last week I had an appointment in Carlyle in south eastern Saskatchewan. From there I had a stop in Redvers, SK...then on to Winnipeg, Manitoba. My route took me through Souris, Manitoba. And I must say, what a nice town!
Of course I walked across their "Swinging Bridge" which spans the Souris river. It is longer Wolseley's, but it is so bouncy that you wouldn't want to take elderly people across. However, it's a nice bridge nonetheless. I also noticed that many of the houses around Souris are historic and impressive. So if your ever in southern Manitioba, take some time to visit Souris.

Road Scenes...WHY?

I was recently asked why there are posts called "Road Scenes". Well, I work for Pharmasave Drug stores and drive a great deal in southern Saskatchewan. I always have a camera with me so I take photos of things I find interesting. Now you know about "Road Scenes".

One of the last kicks at SUMMER

Weird Willies Esso station was hopping Friday morning. Vehicles were lined up for gas and the store was busy. The license plates were from all over North America, in fact I chatted with a guy from Edmonton who just finished going to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennesee. He lived only a few blocks from where we used to live so we had a nice talk.
Around town, I saw several campers and motorhomes, people having a picnic in the playground and of course many going over the swinging bridge.

Moffat Stone House tour reveals HISTORY

The Stones of Moffat tour was a resounding success again this year.
We gathered at the MoffatHall at 1:00 pm and after an informative talk by Kay Parley boarded two school buses and a filled a few cars. With tour guides Stanley Taylor on one bus, and his wife
Phyllis on the other, each group enjoyed knowledgeable insight and recollections of the Moffat area.

We stopped at the six remaining stone houses, the Church, and numerous ruins of structures that have unfortunately not survived the ravages of the Canadian Prairies.

Among the those on the tour were former Wolseley residents Alden and Elaine Herndier, Pat and Carol Kydd, Mansel and Joyce Lavediere, Ashley and Ruby Pow, and Ken Stringer.
One of the most enthused participants was my Aunt Jeanette Bohonos. Many Wolseley, Glenavon, Montmartre and of course Moffat residents also attended.

For anyone interested in history or prairie architecture from the NWT times this tour is a must see!

Now that was a SUNSET

Last evening the sky over Wolseley was the canvas for one of this worlds most glorious displays...a Sunset over the prairie.

Canoe Races a SPLASH / Beach Volleyball a HIT

A beach without volleyball or a lake without a canoe just wouldn't be right. And "Dam Days" made sure both were well represented.

The volleyball was a focal point for much of the action around the Beverage tent all weekend. Randy Clark had the teams fired up and the competion was brisk.
Larry and Janice Hilderman organized the canoe races and they were awesome. The paddlers in each race were intense but some ended up off course and a couple tipped overboard into the drink. Of note was first and second place in the one of the over 40 races were paddlers over the age of sixty.
Racers Boyd Taylor and Kirk Molder are both well over 60 years old and they set the mark younger paddlers just couldn't meet.

CARLA TAYLOR and the Electric Outlaws rocked

The cabaret was rocking on Saturday night. Carla and The Electric Outlaws cranked out the tunes, people danced and danced and danced some more. The tent was packed to the seams and the generally well behaved crowd had a great time.
Carla played a few of the old Red Hot Burrito songs and many in crowd the sang along to the songs from days gone by.
By-the-way, the Burritos played the official grand opening of the Town Hall/Opera House a few years ago.

Street hockey becomes grass HOCKEY

The street hockey morphed into grass hockey and it proved to be a blast. These spirited games were fun to watch and the intensity rose as teams got knocked out of the tournament.
After one of the later games I came across the dejected crew of Chad Souchotte, Darrell Parker and Trevor (Center Line) Baran all muttering "But we had them 6 to 2".

Kids PARADE gets rolling

About 75 excited children gathered on the Dr. Isman school grounds in anticpation of the Children's Parade. There were kids in wagons, on decorated tricycles and bicycles, costumes, wigs and face paint everywhere. The children milled about until Linda Moss got eveyone in order before departing for the Parade around the lake.
With an RCMP car in the lead the multitude of children followed with about as much order as a herd of cats. I ended up riding my bike a few other parents joged beside in an almost futile attempt to keep kids from crashing, going of course or passing the police car.
It all ended with the happy children heading off to Shop Easy for an ice cream treat sponsored by TD Canada Trust.