Spring Has Indeed Returned

2005-03 Spring has returned to the valley and all thoughts, it seems, turn to politics? Well, maybe not. It seems as though we have, thankfully, been spared a federal election that no one wants. We seem to have a new budget that no one loves, but everyone can live with. No doubt some new crisis will come along all too quickly. The provincial election, however, looms on the horizon like a great, black cloud. That is for another day. Today it feels like spring. The birds are nesting, and the local cats are prowling. The grass, more brown than green, will soon need cutting, and my neighbourly orchardist is happily mulching up all his clippings and prunings, ready for a new season. The local vineyards are getting tidied up as well. Around future gardens new deer fences are being constructed around new plantings - and good luck! is all I can say to those optimistic folks. May your garden fare better than mine. Anyone who says there are plants that deer won't eat hasn't met the deer that live on my street. (Fred, the fabric softener idea didn't work either). It isn't only the gardener's hearts that are filled with optimism this spring. You will find the article about the CanGo Grannies is filled with hope for better days. These ladies went to hear Stephen Lewis speak at Cariboo College in Kamloops, and were inspired to reach out a helping hand across half the world. They have made a commitment to a group of grandmothers in South Africa that is really inspiring. They are doing wonderful work, having a great time doing it, and invite you all to join them in this good cause. What could be a better example of optimism than sharing 57 Valentine's Days with your partner? That is the story of our March couple, William and Barbara Haymond, who are currently enjoying life together in Heritage Square, in Vernon. We wish them many more happy Valentine's. A quick glance at the schedules for the many senior centers shows that the spring programs are starting, with new activities for all interests. These seem to be very busy places, with fitness, tai chi, line dancing, ballroom dancing, and yoga going on each week. They have been telling us that keeping physically active is the single most important thing we can do for our health. It seems as though many of us are listening! Some readers, with questions or concerns about health matters, have asked for a regular column that would focus on topics of interest to those 55+. We think we have found a couple that would like to offer such a column. They have years of training and experience and hope to discuss topics such as pain management, senior nutrition, alternative medicines, etc. They introduce themselves with their first article, 'In Life, Anything is Possible'. Again we find the optimism so many seniors carry with them. Please feel free to write in your own questions to Stephen and Allena. They will certainly respond to you, and if the question is a general one, we may publish it for the benefit of others. Also, direct questions relating to hearing problems, hearing aids, new technology, etc. to our new hearing columnist, Colin Van Bergen. Once again, if the questions are general, then we may use them in the paper (no names printed) Finally, a big thank you to those readers who have sent in ideas for new articles, people to interview, topics to discuss, places to visit….. your letters are really enjoyed and much appreciated. We are pleased to hear that you feel the paper is 'yours' and we hope to continue to grow bigger and better with your support.

 

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