Groundhogs & Valentines

2005-02 Looking out the office window at the green grass, it is hard for me to believe it is January. Out of curiosity, I looked up my column for February 2004, and sure enough, I was complaining about blowing snow and shoveling driveways. I have to confess that I prefer this year's version of winter, although the snow that fell on Christmas Eve was a welcome sight. Last year, in honor of Valentine's Day, we did a feature story on a couple from Vernon who had been married over 75 years. They spent their honeymoon winter in a trapper's cabin outside of Horsefly, getting their water through a hole in the ice of the frozen lake, and baking their own bread! This year we continue that tradition with a story of two couples who have been married 50+ years and who have been friends for many of those same years. Part of our anniversary story mentions the days when the Canadian Air Force was sending up planes attempting to break the Sound Barrier. Many readers will remember those days, and the sonic booms that would suddenly roar out of the sky, and then mysteriously disappear. We'll be writing more stories during the year on lasting friendships such as theirs, and we invite our readers to share their stories with us. Our sports writer also got into the Valentine's spirit and is offering ballroom dancing as the way to fitness in February. I must agree that dancers are wonderfully athletic people. Anyone who can polka all evening, or do Scottish Country Dancing or Line Dancing, doesn't need to go to the gym! In fact, February, after the dull days of January, seems a very busy and fun-filled month. The Vernon Winter Carnival carries us through the first half of the month, from the 4th to the 13th. In addition, we look forward to Groundhog Day and Valentine's Day, and the fun and excitement of Chinese New Year. This year is the Year of the Rooster. It seems it should be a good year for business, and for people who enjoy working with details, but those born in a Year of the Rooster should not marry each other! I can only guess that two people who absorb themselves in details will either never agree on those details, or will drive each other mad? Another February tradition here in BC is the Variety Club Telethon to raise money for special needs children in B.C. This annual fundraiser falls on February 12 and 13, and it is one of the most worthwhile and rewarding causes that ask for your support. Recent circumstances found us pacing the hallways of a Children's Hospital, one fortunate enough to have the wonderful support of a Ronald McDonald House, and I can't say enough good things about the work being done there. There is nothing like a visit to a Children's Hospital to put our day-to-day troubles in proper perspective. I remember one little fellow, wearing the pressure bandages for burns on both legs and one arm, happily chasing his little brother up and down the hallway, smiling and laughing as if the pain was nothing to make a fuss about. If you are looking for hope, dedication and courage, that is where you will find them. On a similar theme we share with you Dave Barr's story of winning his battle with skin cancer, and his tips on how you can prevent the same frightening diagnosis. Take a moment to read his story, and then heed the advice he gives. Advice is offered as well on the program of New Home Warranty Insurance. If you, or someone you know, are thinking of buying or building, this could be a very important article. We are all familiar with the 'leaky condo' horror stories, and no one wants a similar disaster coming to the Okanagan. Finally, we want to start the year by thanking those of you who have sent in poems, jokes, tips, stories and ideas for articles. We will publish as much as we can, and others will be put up on our website - so, please keep writing in!!! Our advertisers control our publishing space; that makes the Seniors Choice a free paper. Let our advertisers know that you appreciate their support for your paper, because that support is what makes it possible. May you all share Valentine's Day with a special friend, and enjoy a wonderful Year of the Rooster! - Pat Archibald, Editor -

 

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