Rosenfeld news by Tina Wolfe Aug.14

August 14, 2012 Rosenfeld News by Tina Wolfe

            Fall seems to be coming at full speed. Even though we’ve had a very long hot summer, somehow it’s hard to say goodbye to the days at the beach. The days are quickly getting shorter and many birds have started heading south like the orioles, wrens and brown thrush. The apples are falling from the trees and the tomatoes and peppers are at the end of the canning season. Many farmers are reporting that if they don’t receive rain this week, the corn and beans will be a write off; the ears won’t have kernels and the pods will be empty. Too bad, it started on such a good note this year but the saying goes, “there’s always next year.” How do people live when you run out of hope and prayer?

            I’ve begun setting out my fall displays of gourds and broomcorn. Many of the annuals are drying up and on pulling those out I noticed that they haven’t even formed a root ball which of course explains why they’re dying. I will definitely not be buying any petunias next year: my own are much nicer, hardier and have formed a bunch of roots before going out in spring. They don’t need watering everyday which makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable summer.

Congratulations

            The Rosenfeld Good Neighbour Center was filled with celebration on Sunday, Aug.12. Ed and Diane Heppner celebrated their 50 wedding anniversary and hosted family and friends to an afternoon of visiting and faspa. A short program was held which was followed by much reminiscing.

Car show

            Martin Friesen and Dave and I drove up to Selkirk to take in a car show on Sunday, Aug.12. Friends of ours, Marv and Sara Ginter of Sanford, were participating in the show with their 1952 Ford.  The show was a fundraiser hosted by The Compassionate Friends Winnipeg Chapter organization and entitled the Memories Show N’ Shine. Everyone associated with the organization knows how it feels to lose a loved one because it is made up of bereaved parents A sheet with names of lost loved one was a stark reminder of missing family members. The Candace Memories Show N Shine began nine years ago and has grown from 76 vehicles to over 400 from Skinner’s lot to Selkirk Waterfront and Docks. Due to the rain the turnout was not as busy as usual but Manitobans are a hardy bunch and were seen using anything from umbrellas to orange plastic ponchos while taking in the cars on display. Show participants need not be members of any particular club in order to be part of the fundraiser. Marv and Sara travel to many different shows throughout the summer and enjoy meeting the car enthusiasts.

Aug. 6 Rosenfeld news by Tina Wolfe

            Good news on the Rosenfeld front, we finally got rain. It didn’t hit the inch mark but the plants were all dancing and the flowers were smiling. One week without dragging out the hose is a good thing.

            We have one more corn picking this week and that’s another chore taken off the list. I’m getting a very good crop of corn with not many bugs; let’s hope the farmers are too. The USA farmers are experiencing a corn crop drought which likely will mean a rise in all corn products including my favourite snack; Doritos. I’ve finally scrounged enough cucumbers off the plants and finished canning dills. Now I’m on to the apples which are being attacked by cedar wax-wings. Thank goodness the trees are loaded and I don’t mind sharing.

            The farmers in this area are mostly finished harvesting their wheat and oats and have begun swathing canola. The fields are filled with rows of hills of swath; now let’s hope the seeds are as plenty. From all reports the yields are very good and the prices are in the higher ranges. But like my senior friend always reminds me, “You can’t count the money until the grain is in the bin.” The corn and bean fields are looking good but could use a bit more rain to fill out the seeds and from the looks of things clouds may be here by the end of Tuesday.

Busy long weekend

            I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend. We were so busy that I knew I’d need a nap on Tuesday but only after this column and a few chores got done. Saturday we attended a small intimate wedding of nephew, Chris Wolfe and Lisa Dyck. It was held in the Plum Coulee Community Hall and they will be making their home in Winnipeg. Congratulations to the couple.

            On Sunday we made our way down to Lake Bronson, Minnesota to the International Carver’s Show. It’s not a huge event but it’s held in the park and has some interesting displays from antler carving to quilting to bird watching walks. It covers topics for all ages and also music on an outdoor stage. On the way home we stopped for a bite to eat at Lancaster. The restaurant was named The End of the Line and we’ve never been served at the speed we experienced at that place. It was unbelievable.

            Monday morning brought us to Mitchell and breakfast with friends, Jim and Judith Schellenberg. We took in the flea market at the Heritage site and of course came home with a few treasures. It was nice to meet cousin, Anne Dueck, at the sale and what a beautiful day weather-wise. Did you know that there’s a place in Steinbach where you can buy a cup of coffee for 52 cents? Even MacDonald’s can’t beat that price; only when they have their free coffee with breakfast promotion. As you can see, it was a great weekend.

           

Farewell

I would like to end this column on a personal note. Throughout the past few years we’ve been receiving the Ari Post and I enjoyed one columnist in particular, Farm Philosophy, which was written by Mel Groening. I have clipped many of his columns and shared them with family members. He passed away in July but his humour will live on due to his family publishing a book filled with his columns. Condolences go out  to his family. I will miss looking for the next topic.

            Many kids have gone off to camp and some families are visiting friends and family. Harvesting is well on its way and life is busy. Life is good. I’ll attempt to obtain some traveling stories for next week, take care and enjoy the rest of the summer.

Rosenfeld news Aug.2 by Tina Wolfe

The last week in July has arrived and still no rain in sight and habanero hot temperatures. The joke in Mexico about the people sitting around in the afternoon shade is that they’re thinking. Well I’ve been doing a lot of thinking during the month of July. I hate having to retreat inside and admit it’s too hot so very often you’ll catch me sitting on the patio with my feet stuck in a pail of cool water. Just call me stubborn. But I know that since we live in Manitoba those nasty cold days will arrive and then I’ll miss those hot sunny days.

            No matter how much water we’re dumping onto the garden, plants are slowly dying. We usually have cucumbers to share with the neighbours but now are barely getting enough for fresh eating and the dozen jars I want to pickle. The corn which should be ready for picking in August is ripening in full force and we can’t keep up with eating and so the freezing begins. How are the farmers going to be able to provide corn for the Morden Corn and Apple Festival unless they planted some later crops and then will it get enough moisture? And as to the apples; ours have started falling off the trees due to the lack of moisture and stress. There however is always a bright side to all things; we have never had so many melons, cantaloupe and honeydew. Anywhere from 4 to 5 nice sized melons on one plant and the pumpkins and gourds are taking over the garden. The snapdragons which grew by volunteer seeds are absolutely amazing and doing well without watering so those are definitely in the plans for next year’s garden.

Altona Sunflower Festival

            Dave and I have never been as busy on the festival weekend as we were this year. Due to Amber, our oldest granddaughter, being one of the contestants meant we attended more functions than in past years. The business began Friday afternoon when all 15 girls made speeches which were judged by the three festival judges. Theresa Patel was a former queen in 1965, Renee Funk won in 2002 and Megan Bachelor received the crown in 2004.

            The first speech dealt with working as a team and how her and her siblings and cousins were put to work pulling weeds on a canola field. She explained how her negative attitude had rubbed off on all the others and how a change in attitude changed the entire situation. The next girl had spent time in Kenya this spring and spoke of the people being thankful for everything even though it looked as if they had nothing, “We have so much and still are not satisfied.” One girl picked the topic – perseverance and how it had taken three tries to get her driver’s license and many wet tissues, Another topic was concerning making the right decision for the future. The last speech was given by a girl who had spent time up north and how it had been very inspirational to help the students attending a Bible camp. Fifteen speeches and fifteen different topics and very well done.

            Saturday afternoon we watched the contestants dance and walk the runway as they paraded through various themes of the fashion show. It was quite hot but you never would have known by the energy generated by the girls. From old school basketball and baseball uniforms to costumes from around the world the audience was kept entertained. The Australian Sunflower Festival Queen had speed rehearsed in order to be on stage with the local contestants.

            That evening the crowning of the first and second princesses and the queen drew a huge audience. The Altona Park was filled with chairs and for those who had forgotten to bring one, there were benches to sit for the evening show. It began with a four young woman band, Little Darlings, who had just returned from a European tour. They had the audience tapping their feet and clapping their hands as they performed their repertoire of jigs and Celtic music. Once the band was done the contestants made their way on stage and again put on the fashion show only this time it ended with them wearing elegant gowns and the crowning of the queen. The judges must have had a difficult time making their final decisions and Amber wasn’t chosen but what an experience for all the girls and their families. To all the girls who weren’t chosen a bit of advice: you didn’t lose anything. Think of all you have learned, the new friends made and the entire experience. It will make for great stories to your children and grandchildren. And congratulations to the girls who were chosen, may you have a great year.

Best wishes

            Happy anniversary wishes go to John and Betty Warkentin of Altona as they celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary on August 11.  A big happy birthday wish goes to Gabby Wolfe on her 15^th birthday on that same day. Another birthday wish goes out to Martin Friesen on his 68^th birthday on August 20. I have a feeling we’ll be eating lots of cake this month.