November Seems to Have Come Early

2006-11 November seems to have come early this year. Nothing we can do about it, of course. I blame the government. July and August flew by, days were very short, as I'm sure you'll agree. Now we will see that January and February days are endless. I'm not sure how those 'suits' in Ottawa make that happen, but I know they are at the bottom of it. I know that November is early because I haven't got my garden ready for winter yet. I face this dilemma every fall, of course. Reasonable people have emptied out their hanging baskets and put away the flowerpots. I admire their discipline and resolve, but I can't match it. As long as the flowers in the pots are alive and blooming I can't bring myself to throw them out. That means, naturally, that one frosty morning they will be frozen solid and cemented into the soil, where they will remain until spring as a daily reminder of my faint heart. I prefer to view it as a small price to pay for a few extra weeks of colour that those organized gardeners miss! Whatever we were doing, or not doing, October was beautiful, wasn't it? Warm and sunny, with gorgeous fall colours everywhere we looked. A perfect autumn for us to savor before the cloud cover settles overhead. I know that the parks and the walking trails were crowded with people enjoying the final days of summer, many with their dogs having a wonderful time playing in the dry leaves. There were a lot of smiling faces out and about. Those same smiling faces will now be moving indoors to enjoy colour of a different sort. We are talking about this winter's theatre productions, of course. What a selection we have to choose from. The season starts off with Ann of Green Gables, Oklahoma, Rainbow Dance Theatre, murder mysteries, comedies and the special touring group called 'Pulse', the spirit of rhythm and dance. This special traveling show features 60 talented local performers, ranging in age from 5 to 75+. It is a 2.5 hour music and dance extravaganza that offers a high-spirited celebration of our area's culture, spirit and passion. Seems the perfect way to bring warmth and light into the dark days of November. Many of our local schools are planning their own gifts of warmth and light as they begin to gather up the Christmas Shoe Boxes that are filled and sent around the world. Last year Canadians donated over 700,000 of these boxes as their support for 'Operation Christmas Child.' In the past ten years Canadians have sent over 5 million of these special gifts to over 14 different countries. Any shoebox will do, or you can pick one up at several high schools and some local businesses, such as our Safeway stores. Choose the age and sex of the child, fill the box with appropriate items, return it to the school or store with $7 to cover shipping and delivery, and feel good about shining some light in a dark corner. 'Samaritan's Purse can be reached at: 1-800-303-1269 World Vision is starting to collect their 'global gifts' now as well. Instead of sending Uncle John one more tie, or Aunt Jane more bath salts, you can give a gift in their name that will really make a difference. A gift of $30 will supply 2 ducks to a family in the Philippines, or warm clothing for 25 children, while $35 buys seeds and tools for 4 families. $35 will also supply the mandatory school uniforms for 3 children, opening doors that will change the future for them and their families. If you prefer chickens, pigs, goats or rabbits, they can also be arranged. A special treat for my 'organized gardeners' would be the seed packages for 4 families, or 10 fruit trees for $60 - even an entire greenhouse! For folks who prefer to give locally, one out of every six children in Canada lives below the poverty line. For $25 you can give them a backpack filled with school supplies. For info: 1-800-844-7993. That sort of Christmas shopping has much more appeal than elbowing through the crowds in the mall searching for something for the person who already has everything, don't you think? However, before we get ahead of ourselves we need to pause and reflect on how we come to be so blessed in this country. It seems the crowd turning out on November 11th to salute the veterans increases in size each year, which is as it should be. If you have the chance to attend a service put on by one of our local high schools, take advantage. You will be amazed and touched by what you see and hear. The services have nothing to do with the 'glory' of war, but rather with its cost, and the willingness Canadians have shown to risk and sacrifice for the values they believe in. Take lots of Kleenex, because they will break your heart, but they will also make you very proud and hopeful. Beneath the dreadful clothes, the horrible nose rings and the awful haircuts beat the hearts of some pretty good kids. These kids will soon be busy filling shoeboxes to send around the world. I think we should set a good example, and join them.

 

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