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 50th wedding anniversary on August 11. A big happy birthday wish goes to Gabby Wolfe on her 15th birthday on that same day. Another birthday wish goes out to Martin Friesen on his 68th birthday on August 20. I have a feeling we’ll be eating lots of cake this month.
No comments:
Post a Comment