Dave!

Just a stone’s throw north of Thornhill Manitoba lives a gentleman, who, since the day he was born, resides on a little piece of Paradise. He and his wife, Donna, are willing to share their Paradise with others, whether they are local people, or from far away. He calls this "Shannondale".
Dave was born, raised, educated, farmed, and raised a family, all within about an 8 mile radius of his yard site. In 1959, he took over the family farm from his parents , who had acquired it in the dirty 30’s. Dave never left this locale, except for one winter when, as a young man he was away. As was the norm in the 60’s and 70’s, Dave expanded his farm and seed operations. Then in 1997, after some 38 years of tilling the soil, Dave rented out his acreage.
I recall resettling in Morden at the time, and attending Dave and Donna’s farm auction sale with my brother Walter. Unlike the rest of the farm retirees rushing to town, Dave and Donna chose to remain on the farm. And why not? They had constructed a comfortable semi-chalet type home back in 1976, on the very edge of the ravine with a creek running some 150 ft below. They overlook boundless mature trees and a view of the valley that must encompass all of 40 acres or more. They are able to walk directly out into the natural woods from both the upper and lower levels of their home. From the front doorstep and stretching to the southeast is typical prairie landscape. A setting hard to match in any urban area!
After a bit of a respite, a few years later Dave rekindled his boyhood affection for recreation, only now with an emphasis on fitness and well being. Many a winter Friday, years back, the Thornhill school students entertained themselves on the Lumgair hills.

(Ski Run)

Dave, never accustomed to being idle, began the arduous task of creating an all season natural trail system for skiing, cycling, and hiking. The result, 20K of classic trails with a warming shack at the trail head. A Yellow trail that even beginners will enjoy, the Blue trail that is a moderate 10K workout, the Orange trail which is a 5K circuit with an option to go to 6K. The Orange tail also has 5 major slopes, along with many smaller slopes in the escarpment.

(Welcome Shack)

(Ski Trail Map)

Dave was courteous enough to take Terry Tichkosky and myself on a Ski doo and sled ride to view the scenic valley. It was like a roller coaster ride and we needed high speeds to get my weighty body to the top of the hills.

(Weighty Harold!)

Terry and I conceded that the whole area was just impressively breathtaking. I can only imagine what it would be like in the summer or fall, with a trickling creek running below. We also had the privilege of watching deer run across an opening. Many local skiers are regular attendants here, and individuals have come to visit from as far away as New Brunswick and Victoria B.C. Many groups, large and small, such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation, come here for fund raising purposes.

(All Photos Courtesy Terry Titchkosky)

If you were ever going to apply the term “one tough old Scot" to anyone, then Dave, with his full head of white hair, a beard, and one knee replacement, with another to be scheduled, would definitely qualify. His lifestyle stresses the importance of being fit and doing exercises before knee surgery in order to have a faster post-surgery recovery.
Despite this, Dave continues to maintain these recreational trails mostly by himself. As Dave has stated, “Everyone should have fun and gain skills. "Fresh air is health care, Help yourself!"
So come on out to Shannondale.

Give me a break! OK?

There is that tiny bit of breathing space between Christmas and the New Year where you can do something normal, like catch a movie or something. I’m not talking about the "Alvin and the Chipmunks" movie caper either, although I personally know a mother who is totally enchanted by it. I took in an English adult script called "Atonement" - heady English stuff, but sorry, no review.
The thing that struck me was that prior to this movie commencing, was the change from years back. When T.V. and movies started to compete for a viewing audience, you could go to a movie and shut out the outside world. First you would view a cartoon, then possibly a Newsreel, a local theatre ad for popcorn and pop, previews (trailers) and finally, the feature presentation. All this for the sum of 25 cents and some years later as much as a dollar.
My theory is, at the time you didn’t begrudge paying this amount of money. With T.V. , you had those intrusive commercials, you had family or friends disturbing you, with some even changing the channel on you, depending on the pecking order, even if you only had three channels. So when you paid to see a movie that’s what you saw, as straight forward and uncomplicated as you can have it. But oh! no! not today, no sirree. First, we begin with movie trivia, then some supersized ads for the theatre concession, then wonder of all wonders, car ads, endless trailers for features due in March of 09, more ads, finally the main feature.
What a pile of unmitigated commercial rubbish, and what is the supreme insult ….. an $8.00 admission charge!

Christmas at the DQ

Christmas at the DQ in Morden

What would provoke someone to have, or want to have, Xmas at the Dairy Queen in Morden? Are they nuts or what? What parallel does it have with the Christmas story of yore? There is no Star in the East to guide you there, but you can rely on the locals to give you direction. It has never had one Wiseman visit it, let alone three. Three Wisemen anywhere in the world today would be a monumental surprise to us all. But the local “Bruce” Almighty has frequented it on occasion.

Bearing gifts is nothing new - in place of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, we bring loonies, toonies, and coupons, and nobody is the wiser. As for shepherds, well, they have more or less gone by the wayside. However, a facsimile of them still exists in the form of bikers, with their Harleys, Hondas, and BMW, plus a lost tribe that call themselves "Hell’s Angels". This is as close as our local bikers will ever get to seeing a host of Angels, and when they do, you may be assured that they will be sore afraid and hugging the ground.
Then there’s Mary - and she actually exists at the DQ!
She is one of the most considerate, warm, kind, and caring women you could ever meet. She has kept the image of compassion intact since the days of Mary of Nazareth.
"More coffee, Harold?"
"Sure, Mary."
And then there is the Baby Jesus. Now you wouldn’t find Him at the DQ. But you will find parents who can’t find their child, muttering under their breath, “Jesus, where did that kid disappear to now?"
So to all the management and staff of the Morden Dairy Queen, Merry Christmas, you bring joy to all those you serve.
Is that not a part of the year round Christmas spirit?
And the same goes for all you loyal pumphandle blog readers!
Cheers!

HEROES and Cream Gravy

How many times have you heard the phrase “I could write a book”, from a friend, a relative, or other assorted types? The fact of the matter is that they never write one, not that it’s any big disaster. It’s just another over used phrase that people throw around. Well a chap by the name of Roy Heinrichs, who hung out around Haubstadt (translated means Halftown) and has now retired to Altona, has done just that, written a book. It’s called Heroes and Cream Gravy. It covers Roy and that of his families through the cycles of life from his youth, his teenage years, as a young farmer, then as a seasoned farmer, then as a retiree and Grandpa. It covers the era from 1951 to the present. It depicts incidents and a lifestyle that is familiar to most of us in Southern Manitoba, who have lived during this time.
It took me a few or more chapters to get into this book, and begin to appreciate the legacy Ron was leaving, for this generation and its heirs. That somewhat parallels one's own life and many others who live along the 49th. A snapshot (another over used word) of Saturday night baths, outdoor toilets, Kraft dinners, Wonder Oil, harvests, dreams, and jeans. Cream Gravy? It’s about the all time great Mennonite dish, cheese perogies, smothered in dark brown fried sausage dripping gravy.
Want to know more………..read the book!

Tribulations!

The loss by the Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup should have tip me off as to the week I was about to encounter. On Monday I took Mr Frank Ptosnick in for his follow up eye appointment, at Misericordia Health Centre in my van. I set my clock/radio alarm the previous night, which failed me in the morning. Luckily I awoke just a few minutes later. On the way in for some foolish reason I turn my van lights on, even though we had endless visibility. While we were discussing and debating the great world issues of the day, there was a need to turn on my wiper blades, which resulted in the splitting of the rubber blade on one. As both were not cleaning the windshield all that well, I made a mental note to have them replaced. We arrived in time, jumped out of the van, I with a book in hand to see Frank’s eye doctor. A couple of hours later and a few chapters later. We headed back to the van anticipating lunch as it was 12:15 p.m. Low and behold we arrive at my van, inserted the key, NOTHING, except a sinking feeling, turned key again, sinking feeling hits bottom, angry follows, as I quickly realize my stupidity. Obviously I had inadvertently left my lights on, and didn’t even hear the warning bell earlier. Frank having a CAA membership said, will just give them a call. Back over the overpass and to a lobby with payphones. I call the number listed on Frank’s card but misdialed, there goes another 50 cents of my allowance for the month. Dialed again (actually key punched) and got hold of a pleasant person. I give him the pertain details and advise I would stand outside of the park cad to hail the responder, whom he said would be there no later than 1:20 p.m. The hate myself syndrome was really escalating within me.
So there we both stood in front of the entrance of the 25 Sherbrook Street park cad slowly getting colder. A CAA tow truck passed by, and later a CAA quarter ton. Frank finally went up to the overpass to get warm. Finally at 1:35 p.m. a CAA rescuer appeared. Wouldn’t you know it, his initial vehicle wouldn’t start, so had to get another one. Bang my van started and off we went to Frank’s 2nd appointment, to the hearing aid guy at the Grant Park Shopping Centre. Once there I remained in the van to make certain it got charged up. Upon Frank’s return I shut the van off, and we went to dine in the elegance of Zeller’s café. After a few hot coffees and a lite lunch we return home without incident although somewhat later.
Does it end there NO! I sat down to watch the evening news and my remote would not change the channels, big hairy deal but still irritating.
The deal with Frank was that he would take me into the Peg, for my eye appointment on Tuesday. Even thought my appointment was at noon, I want to ensure I had an alarm clock that worked. I retrieve the battery operated clock from above the big screen T.V. I began by setting it to Central Standard Time then set the alarm time. It dutifully awoke me, but I was unable to shut it off, as the on/off button is about the size of the eye of a needle. I quickly utilize my nail clippers and broke the entire button off. There I sat on my bed listening to the un soothing sounds of the alarm and the blinking miniature headlights, an added feature of this clock. Drowsy, but alert I proceed to remove the battery lid and take out the 2 double “AA” batteries. I then took those double “AA” batteries an put them in my T.V. remote, problem solved, a lease I could change T.V. channels now.
Frank P. arrived in his polished Chrysler Breeze which he preferred to use as it has front wheel drive, his truck although is roomier. Bundled up I was confined like a moth in a cocoon. Only a moth when it stretches, exercises, and breaks out of it’s cocoon results in a beautiful butterfly. Whereas I requiring to be pushed out the car door to get out, still remained ugly. The visit resulted in an eye condition that was improving, what a relief and positive affirmation for me. Another elegant lunch at Zeller’s and we are homeward bound.
I add my new 2008 eye appointment to my existing medical appointment list, only to notice I had bloodwork, for Wednesday morning at BTHC.
I fasted and got up as we all did to about 5”to 6” of pure clean white fluffy snow. Again, no sweat about a month ago with the assistance of my Honda manual, the big red snow machine’s controls were checked out, gas tank top up, shear pin installed, and motor started It purred like my cat Schpitzie,… girl. I return from BTHC and breakfast with the warmth of porridge and coffee in my tummy. I enter my shed set the controls, pulled on the starting rope, a small sputter and it died, despite my effort to revive it. So much for the famous Honda name and myth. My only saving grace that day was the cabbage roll dinner at the Friendship Centre. Morden Concrete’s Bobcat cleaned out my driveway.
Later a visit to “the Source” where I purchased a simply tiny travelling alarm clock. Dave and Jeff couldn’t contain their gleeful joy at prying money out of me, no matter how small the sum.
Oh! so this is rather long and I should be finished, SORRY!
Being a responsible person I checked in with “Ed” Lucier at Mountain Auto Service and replace my worn windshield wipers, There’s a couple of points for safely operating a vehicle. As I drove around with my door ajar light on, a matter I would take care of when I got home.
Back on the home front I settled in for a little fine evening cuisine. I put some Rib Style Boneless Pork in a bowl, added sauce and place it in my microwave. I savoured the thought of my cabbage roll side dish, obtained in a deal from the Friendship Centre. As I put on my oven mitts and removed the rib bowl, the glass turntable also came out and smashed smartly on the floor. More unanticipated clean up. This sort of soured my evening meal.
Well a good nights rest would take care of these matters.
Thursday, up after dawn jump in the van and zilch, nothing, dead, you stupid, ignorant, A…, as the anger welled up in me again. My mindless mind forgot to properly close the van door yesterday. Serves you right! Off I trudge to Mamma Mia’s for breakfast. Who comes in later but Frank Postnick and Reg Braun. I inform them about my most recent escape, they ask me if I have a battery charger, I reply yes I have, but doubt if I can find it. Once again Frank comes to the rescue and brings over his charger. I’m up and running again, I just don’t know for how long?
So there you have it a typical week in the life of…..Harold!

the exquisite hour

Prior to internet dating, different skill sets were required in meeting eligible gals and guys. The exquisite hour provides a delightful insight into one of the methods employed in the early 60’s, by a Helen Darimont (Jeanette P. Hoeppner) perusing a Zachary Teale (Brad Wieler). The two work at the same establishment, but Helen has never been able to catch Zachary’s eye. So Helen puts a plan in place to entrap him. It is a one act play, that pardon the pun is exquisitely acted. It has a light breezy air about it with many humorous moments. It does not fall into the sitcom genre, but more of a 60’s version of a Victorian era play. It has subtleties and soft endearing twists It is a most delightful and enjoyable exquisite hour. It is a Candlewick Production, produce and directed by Darren Klassen an individual with local ties to Morden. If you missed the Kenmor venue, you can still catch it @Winkler Emmanuel Mennonite Church. Tickets available thorough the church office for Friday, November 30 & Saturday, December 1.

Could It Happen?

What are the odds this weekend, of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers facing each other in the Grey Cup Classic on November 25, 2007? It would be event mangers dream, having these two rivals face off against each other. I think the whole Western population’s fans and non fans would ignite like an old prairie fire. The hang over’s from gatherings and parties would last well into the Xmas season and beyond.
The downer is holding this epic event in Toronto, unless of course Toronto wins. On the other hand two prairie teams might finally burst Toronto’s stuffy self-centred bubble and finally join the rest of the country, just for the joy of it. Realistically B.C. and Toronto at this point seem to have the edge, in player depth, execution and experience. The question is do they have the heart to win? By this week end it could just be a ho hum thing or a delightful madness. Stay tuned!