Oct. 21, 2013 Rosenfeld news

October 21 2013 Rosenfeld News by Tina Wolfe

            The following poem describes fall in a unique way. Its title is Rainbow and it’s written by Laura Dyck a Rosenfeld School student.

Standing tall, summer gone

“Fall is here!” trees say, “green gone, crispy here”.

Trees turn colour, clouds appear

“Get inside!” It starts to rain.

The rain stops, go outside.

Fall supper

            From all reports the turnout for the fall supper last Saturday was very good. The ladies had changed one menu item which has resulted in some comments. The ladies had baked sausage in place of the usual ham but all other items stayed the same including the variety of homemade pies.

CMYC Concert

            Oh woe is me. That’s how I felt when I backed out of attending Gabby’s concert on Sunday night. Dave and I had company all afternoon and by the time it came to get dressed for the concert all the energy I could muster was to get into my pajamas. Thank goodness for video cameras. Mike and Anna will be bringing the concert to our house.

            The Central Manitoba Youth Choir Tours began in 1985 and the choir consists of 50 high school students who successfully auditioned last spring. This year Rosenfeld was represented by Gabby Wolfe and Madison Smith. “The concert was awesome and made the walls of the Altona Mennonite Church tremble” quote by Carol Schroeder. Both the Wolfe and Smith families billeted a number of choir members after the Sunday night’s performance.

Progress report

            It’s amazing what a lift a person gets when company comes knocking. But what a surprise when Uncle Abe and Aunt Anna Friesen from Winnipeg arrived for a visit. And what a shame that I had a physio appointment that afternoon. The visit was much too short but a huge morale booster. I continue to increase my exercise load which of course causes sore muscles. I remind myself continually that this is a good thing. It means that there is hope for a complete recovery and it will just take time. My walker puts on quite a few miles a week and that results in napping. I have no problem having two naps a day and then a good eight hour night with relatively little pain most of the time. I have numbness and tingling in some of my fingers in both hands and that’s due to the neck injury. With massage therapy now and some chiropractic care in the future this too will come to an end. In the meantime I need to use my hands to take some of the weight off my left leg. I don’t need to do any extra weight lifting my arms are just fine.

School update

            Friday, Oct. 25 there are no classes and Wednesday, Oct. 30 there will be no classes in the afternoon.

            Soup days have begun on Wednesdays and students are reminded to bring a bowl, a spoon and 25 cents.

            The Art and MaryAnn Wiebe dedication for their daughter Kendall did not take place last Saturday due to the bench not being delivered. This will be rescheduled and I’ll post it as soon as I receive information.

Liquid fabric sizer

2 tbsp. Alum, 2 ½ tsp. Arm & Hammer washing soda, ½ tsp fabric softener and 1 cup of HOT water. Mix and let stand until foam settles. Soak your cotton squares in the sizer and then dry. Now they are ready to send through the printer.

Many ladies send recipes in their columns but that always means adding calories to your diet. This recipe is for a craft which is not well known but easy to do if you have a jet printer. All you need is cotton fabric with a thread count less than 250; a colour jet printer and butcher wrap paper which is wax on one side. Cut your cotton the size of the square you want to print. I used the regular letter 11 x 81/2 and trimmed off the excess. Fasten the cotton onto the wax side of the paper with warm iron and send through the printer. Make sure there are no threads sticking out; trim before sending through the printer.

My project is to make a table cloth border. In the future I will need to downsize my cups and saucers so this is a way I could take the memory with me. I have taken pictures of most of my china which I will print onto these cotton squares and sew into a border for a tablecloth. Tea party, anyone?

Oct. 14 Rosenfeld news 2013

Oct. 14 Rosenfeld news by Tina Wolfe

            The colours of fall seem to be more spectacular this year than in the past. Maybe because I no longer look at the leaves as work, I know I can’t rake this year so the whole picture changes. It’s Thanksgiving Monday and its softly misting and such a good day for napping. It’s going to be a busy week so I need to be prepared.

Community announcement

            The Rosenfeld Fall Supper will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Rosenfeld Good Neighbour Center. Serving begins at 4:30 and due to the cancellation last year, I suggest you be early.

            A dedication ceremony will take place on the playground that same afternoon. The Parent council has worked hard to raise funds to replace playground equipment which was no longer deemed safe. This has been installed and has now passed all codes. Art and MaryAnn Wiebe will be adding a bench in honour of their daughter Kendall who died a while back. Please stop by and join the community in this dedication.

Condolences

            The Rosenfeld community sends thoughts and prayers to Leah Boutet and her family. Richard Boutet of Altona, formerly of Rosenfeld passed away Monday, Oct. 7 at Eastview Place in Altona. Richard was only 56 but Alzheimer’s disease knows no age. He is survived by his wife Leah, one daughter and two sons. A prayer service was held on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7:00 p.m at the St. Maurice Roman Catholic Church in Morris. A Mass Resurrection was held on Friday, Oct. 11 at 2:00 pm at the same church.

            Richard had a quiet way about him with a ready smile for everyone. He worked at Altona Penner Foods and later IGA for many years as meat manager and will be missed by many of his past customers. I had the pleasure of working first as staff in the meat department then alongside him as deli manager when Penner Foods expanded. We shared much laughter during the ten years I worked there and his name never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Progress report

            I am happy, oh so happy. I managed to get into Mike and Anna’s Honda on Sunday. Dave wheeled me up to the Pilot, I stood up, turned around and slid my bum onto that seat. It felt good. Getting out was easier than getting in and you ask why all the excitement? Well, Gabby is singing in a concert next Sunday and unless I managed to get into this vehicle, I couldn’t go. So next week be prepared for a review of the concert because unless it storms, I’m going.

            I’ve had very good days and some not so good but I think everyone has those so who am I to complain? Mike and Anna, Gabby and Thomas came over Sunday, Oct. 13 bringing Thanksgiving supper. The menu included varenika, baked ham which Mike had basted with honey, saskatoon sauce, schmont fat, jello and mini pies: apple or peach. The word delicious doesn’t do it justice. It was a great day and I have much to be thankful for.

            We continue to have community support with people bringing soup, buns and cinnamon rolls. Dave and I have even hosted people for supper; once we ordered in pizza but the next time Dave cooked chicken and mashed potatoes.

            Going to physio is very tiring but with good results. The left knee bends to a 72 % angle and the right to 112. My goal is a minimum of 115 which is what is needed to ride bike. Anything after that will be a bonus.  I have all winter to meet this goal and am very determined to be on my bike come spring. My stubborn streak is showing.

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Oct. 8 2013

Oct. 8 Rosenfeld News by Tina Wolfe

            It’s amazing how one’s priorities change when life takes a turn you didn’t expect. Weather used to dominate my life as to what I would do every day and now it’s really not that important. Don’t get me wrong; I love the sunny afternoons. Dave wheels me out on the patio or takes me for a walk but I don’t moan and groan if the forecast is for rain. And hey, did you see the weather that hit South Dakota? They received three feet of snow and tornadoes. Who are we to complain about a bit of chilly wind? Ah yes, we live in Manitoba and what would we talk about if not the weather?

            Our family is beginning to get excited about our oldest granddaughter, Amber, coming home from Germany. She has purchased her ticket and will be arriving back to Manitoba on January 6. We’re not Ukrainian but we are going to have the biggest Ukrainian Christmas ever. Is anyone else planning their holidays? I’ve been getting e-mails with the number of shopping days left before Christmas and was ignoring them but not anymore. We are going to get the best Christmas present ever.

School bulletin

            Schools in Manitoba are being encouraged to collect previously used plastic bags to divert them from landfill so they can be used to create useful recycled items (benches, bird housed). Last year participating schools (including Rosenfeld) collected over one million plastic bags which translates into 3.3 tonnes.

            Starting on September 30 Rosenfeld School will officially begin collecting previously used bags. Brand-new bags obtained in bulk from retailers will not be accepted. All bags must be clean and dry and free from crumbs, receipts and garbage. The end date is November 1.

            Please feel free to drop off the following types of bags at Rosenfeld School, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Here’s a list of bags that can be recycled: grocery, bread, dry cleaning, cereal, Ziploc and other re-sealable bags, produce and bubble wrap.

            The Grade 5 class will be responsible for counting the bags that are received. If you have any questions please call Jackie Nickel at school at 204-324-8438.

Community bulletin

            The ladies of Rosenfeld are again holding a Fall Supper. It will be served on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Good Neighbour Center. It was cancelled last year so make sure to arrive early to enjoy the turkey and ham home cooked meal. They start serving at 4:30 p.m.

Progress update

            It has been a challenging week. Dave and I are trying to establish some sort of routine but that is proving to be very difficult. Home care doesn’t come the same time every day and we have to work around them on the days they do come. I have one lady come to change bandages three times a week and one to help with the bathing once a week. On top of that we have two afternoons of physio appointments in Winkler. Need I say that I nap a lot?  We frequently have friends coming by and all the food dropped off comes in very handy. Portion size is very difficult when you have homemade noodle soup which includes homemade noodles or cabbage borscht and homemade brown buns or a big pan of enchiladas. We’ve had a couple of watermelons that are as sweet as candy and are a very good snack.

            My exercising is paying off and my knees are bending further all the time but the more I do the more aches show up. But I accept that as part of the process and welcome every new nerve waking up. It means that I will have a chance at good recuperation of all movement.

            I would like to wish everyone a safe Thanksgiving weekend. Please be careful on the road when traveling to visit family and friends.

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Sept.23 2013

September 23, Rosenfeld news by Tina Wolfe

The weather used to play a big part of what I would do every day but not anymore. If the sun is shining I’ll make a point of sitting in the sunshine and if it’s cloudy I’ll still sit by the window and watch the flock of geese on the field. Either way the days are filled with activities and because I know I can’t go outside the weather holds no power over me. Strange how a person’s life changes in a split second.

Baby announcement

The Rosenfeld community would like to welcome our newest resident with pink ribbons. Anjelica Zacharias arrived on August 27 at a nice weight of 4 kilo – 21 grams at Boundary Trails. Hector, Jaime and Victor were very excited to greet their baby sister on her arrival home. Proud parents are Bertha and Martin Zacharias of Rosenfeld and maternal grandma, Maria Loewen, paternal grandma, Sadie Zacharias of Mexico.

Thoughts and prayers

Condolences go out to John and Brenda Wiebe and their children on the tragic death of John’s brother, Danny Wiebe. The funeral service was held Thursday, Sept. 19. The community would like to send our thoughts and prayers to the Wiebe family. John and Brenda were called away from their four week European vacation which celebrated their 25 years of marriage to attend the family tragedy.

Entertainment

Being in the hospital is never a choice and can be a very difficult phase in one’s life. Boundary Trails staff must be commended for not only the physical care but the activities provided to prevent boredom from setting in. Last week Wednesday turned out to be a music day with five lovely ladies, one on the piano and four with accordions providing a variety of musical numbers. They played for nearly an hour after which we were served coffee and homemade cookies. Not long after in walked another lady carrying a guitar case. She began by taking requests and I must admit to being star struck. Her voice could very easily be on the air alongside Dolly Parton, Emmy Lou Harris or Linda Ronstadt.  Her name is Jess Reimer and she and her husband Jeremy Hamm live in La Riviere. She collaborated with producer Bob Wiseman, a former member of Blue rodeo, and produced a record under a Winnipeg label Pipe & Hat this year. Her voice is pure, strong and it was a pleasure to hear her do some Loretta Lynn.

Progress report

I am growing stronger every day and am improving with the overall balancing act of walking on one leg. The left leg is in a brace from top to bottom and the foot is encased in an air-boot so all it is good for is a bit of balance. Sitting down when using a walker is a bit tricky because there is no bending that left leg. I had another day pass this past Sunday and did not want to go back to the hospital. Dave is a bit hesitant of my coming home but a lot can happen in one week. I have an appointment for the removal of the neck brace this coming Thursday and then going home to stay is very possible. The support from family and friends is just phenomenal and is absolutely a morale booster.

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sept.16 2013

September 16, Rosenfeld news by Tina Wolfe

I came across an interesting statistic the other day relating to students enrolling in agriculture related programs at the University of Manitoba. Ten years ago 250 students were enrolled and this year that number ballooned to over 600. More and more students are obviously interested in food production and where and how food is grown. According to my sources the farmers are smiling due to the yields coming off the fields. The winter wheat and canola have been good to very good bushels to the acre and in some cases breaking records. Let’s hope the beans, corn and potatoes do as well. Every business man in the area knows how this affects the economy for the better.

School teachers and updates

 The enrollment count is 80 at the Rosenfeld School and this is down due to families home schooling or choosing private schools. The NDP’s anti-bullying bill is having wide spread affect throughout southern Manitoba. It’s sad when parents no longer trust the public school system especially when we have some dedicated outstanding teachers.

The Rosenfeld School staff are as follows: Karin Banman –Kindergarten, Yvette Froese -  Grade1, Jackie Harms -  Grade2, Barb Rempel - Grade 3/resource, Lauren McPhail – Grade 3/reading recover, Jennifer Klippenstein - Grade 4, Jackie Nickel - Grade 5, Kathy Schroeder – 6, Rob Fleming - Phys Ed, Jason Pilkington – principal,  Gladys Klassen – secretary,  Shelley Cornelson – EA, Terry Braun – EA, Kathy Thiessen – EA, Kirsten Penner – EA, Warren Schroeder – custodian and Angela Issak – librarian.

Parents were able to come out and meet the staff at the annual barbeque last Thursday and from information given to me by some of those attending, the evening had been great fun. If anyone was unable to attend, the school is always open for you to drop by and the staff will make you welcome.

Progress report

Thursday, Sept. 12 – What a day. I don’t have the words to express what a good day it has been. Physio is just getting better and better. Standing up using the pole is getting easier and I walked half the length of the rehab room using a walker. The staff was blown away and my brain could hardly grasp what I had accomplished. For supper that night Mike, Anna and Tom arrived carrying a big laundry basket. Out came a huge pot of mashed potatoes, fried chicken, sautéed carrots, gravy and for dessert; cupcakes and cookies. Dave joined us and we had the best supper ever out on the patio. Incredible, like I said what a day.

But things just got blown through the roof when the doctor gave me permission for a day pass. Sunday, Sept. 15 I was picked up by the Morden Handi-Van service and taken home to Rosenfeld to spend the day. Dave and I had family and friends over for the afternoon and I realized that even though I’ve come a long way, I still have a long row to hoe. But it was good to nap in our own recliner.

Sept. 8 2013

September 8 Rosenfeld News by Tina Wolfe

It’s happened; the first school session for 2013 - 2014 has begun and I’m sorry not to be a part of it. Many of the kids who participated in Stay and Play will begin kindergarten and must be very excited. Some of the students will be starting a new school. Whether it is Parkside, Miller, MCI or other private schools, I hope they had a great first day.

Condolences

Helen Funk, 93, of Altona and formerly of Rosenheim passed away Friday, Aug.30. The funeral service took place at the Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Internment took place at the Rosenheim cemetery. She was predeceased by her husband William F. Funk. Helen and William were long time members at the Rosenfeld Bergthaler Church. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Playground equipment

The kids attending Rosenfeld School had a huge surprise waiting for them when they stepped onto the playground. New playground equipment has been installed and will definitely be enjoy in the near future. There are a few more details to be worked out before the kids will be allowed on it. Parent council has been working very hard to get funding for this project and were excited to finally get some concrete into the ground. Bob Wishart of Portage was in charge of the installation and from most accounts it went quite smoothly. They hit a snag when drilling for a pier and hit a huge slab of old concrete but that didn’t stop them; it was a mere scratching on the head and moving on. The volunteers who put in lots of sweat equity are James and Andrea Friesen, Bill and Eva Peters and son Ezekiel, Tim and Shelley Cornelson, Travis and Tina Neufeld, Wayne Kauenhofen, Les Harder, Brad Schmidt, Art and Mary Ann Wiebe.

The community would like to thank all the donors who contributed for this playground structure whether it was a large or small amount; every cent helped to make this project come to fruition.

A back-to-school barbeque will be held on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 5:30 pm. This will take place on the school parking lot and all families with students are invited to attend. It’s great time to meet and greet other parents and the staff.

Progress update

A page out of my diary from Tuesday, Sept. 3. I woke early at 5:00 am. and decided to check my e-mails, Had a rocky night even though Dave had given me a leg massage the night before. Brenda, staff, brought meds and then stayed and talked until I fell asleep. Feel much better this morning after munching on cheese, sweet million tomatoes and Doritos. Darlene, staff, checked in at 7:25 am. to start preparing for the trip by ambulance to HSC for a visit to the orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Pilkie. A lot of x-rays were done and all staples were removed from the right leg. This was not fun. When meeting Dr. Pilkie he said that when I got old I might develop arthritis in the right ankle and further surgery would be necessary. I thought the getting old part of the comment was funny. The rest looked very good and he was satisfied with the healing process. The swelling in the right leg is due to the muscle damage and will shrink in due course. The paramedics, Breanne and Christine and Darlene, staff sent with me, were absolutely wonderful and I slept most of the trip back to Boundary.

I ended on a really high note on Friday when I not only stood up from the wheelchair but actually took a few steps forward with the walker, turned and took a few steps backward and sat back down.

Another highlight for me was meeting Carol Martens from the Carillon when she and her husband came for a visit Friday evening. I am humbled by all the support I’m receiving; it really motivates me to keep trying.

I guess it was too good to be true; that all nursing staff was here to ease and comfort the patient. There is one on staff here whom I would prefer seeing her back end rather than her face. She is loud, rude and intimidating asking me if I couldn’t hold my braced leg myself during transition from bed to wheelchair. I thought of many things to say but no was the only answer that I allowed out. I will keep my mouth shut and only hope and pray she doesn’t have this side of the ward very often.

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August 30, 2013

August 29, Rosenfeld News by Tina Wolfe

All the children I’ve spoken to are waiting to go back to school and strange as it may seem it’s the parents who aren’t ready. I’m sure that all the swimming pools and beaches have been crowded during the last few weeks due to the heat wave that has taken over Manitoba. The tomatoes and corn are ripening fast and I’m sorry I won’t be there to watch. Dave has become my canner preparing vegetables for the freezer. Thomas, our grandson, has become our lawnmower guy and Gabby, our granddaughter, has become our housecleaner.  

I’ve always been an outside girl and so I wait impatiently for Dave to come for a visit and wheel me outside onto the patio. Most evenings it has been doable but the other day I begged him to take me out only to beg to be taken back in. The humidity was so thick a person could barely breathe. Then on Saturday a storm front went through bringing hail and strong winds and the temperatures took a dive.

Progress report

I’m making baby steps in way of recovery and the staff is generous with praise but of course I would prefer even faster and bigger steps. At this point I can scoot myself from sitting in bed onto the wheelchair and back again. No more zip-lining for me. Since I need the use of my arm muscles I’m on quite a regiment of weight lifting; I find this the easiest part. Friday, Aug. 30 all the staples in the right leg were removed and it is getting much more flexible. More x-rays were done to the right knee only to confirm muscle damage which explained the pain experienced during rehab. Ice packs are helping tremendously and the leg can now bend to a 90 degree angle but that’s not to say that standing is a breeze. I must admit to being jealous of anyone shuffling past my room with a walker. Monday, Sept. 2 was a day sent from Heaven. First Amber and I skyped for half an hour then my sister Eva called for half an hour and then Anna and Darlene (staff) gave me a shower. I had lots of parts wrapped in garbage bag and Darlene got almost as wet as I did but it felt incredible.

I would like to thank the Carillon for the beautiful flowers sent to me at Boundary Trails and friends and family for the everyday support I receive. I’m a people person and even a short visit is greatly appreciated.

Baby announcements

On August 6, the population of Rosenfeld increased again when Jeslyn, Branson and Ryelle welcomed home baby sister Avy Lenae. She’s a happy little girl weighing a nice 7 lbs. 5 oz.  Proud parents are Dave and Manda Zacharias and paternal grandparents are Ed and Margaret Zacharias of Altona. Maternal grandmother is Eva Dyck.

Submitted by Herman and Helen Kuhl – We have just had two great-grandchildren. One was born July 30 – Dryden Chase – 8 lbs. 7 oz. to Chris and Michelle Kuhl.   On August 11 – Alyesa Mackenzie joined our family weighing in at 6 lbs, 14 oz. Parents are Dylan and Stephanie Schroeder. Grandparents are Don and Jan Kuhl

We also had a Kuhl family gathering in Steinbach Park on Aug.15 which was made extra special by grandchildren Brittaney (Kuhl) and Jordon Hiebert attending from Abbotsford BC. Almost the entire family was able to participate.

Amber exploring Berlin

Aug. 30, 12:48 pm. So I’m going to sleep now after a busy day. Anneke and I are now in Berlin about to try to fall asleep after seeing so much. We saw the Brandenburger Tor, The Rathaus and we went to the top of the TV tower at night. We also went on a boat tour and walked along the remains of the Berlin wall.

Tomorrow we want to go to Checkpoint Charlie and see the Rheichstag. We are also going to find Anneke’s African church that she wants to go to because it is connected with her trip to Africa. Our hostel is awesome except that we inadvertently planted ourselves in the party district. I believe that would be fine if it wasn’t so noisy right now. I think I’m hearing three different songs, the U-Bahn and people passing in the street below all at the same time. However, I’m pretty sure that I’m tired enough to sleep through it.

August 26

August 26, 2013 Rosenfeld news by Tina Wolfe

Many people were waiting for hotter weather and boy did we get some. Even I am finding the temperatures a bit much but it helps with the ripening of the tomatoes and corn. Most of the festivals have taken place and back to school shopping has begun.

As some of my readers know, I was in a serious car accident on Thursday. Aug. 15. I spent the first week at the Health Science Center and was transferred to Boundary Trails the following Thursday. It will be a long process recovering and my goal for this week is to stand. I have one weight bearing leg which only had a broken knee and femur and had to be nailed. That’s the word the surgeon used – nailed. The left leg is a log at this point and I have an appointment next week with the surgeon. The cast will not be removed for quite some time; the ankle was shattered. I have to wear a neck brace due to a spinal injury but Boundary Trail’s has a professional hairdresser on staff who still manages to wash my hair. And the ribs, well, they’ll heal in time too and it won’t keep me from laughing.

Through this whole horrendous ordeal I have been taken care of by the most incredible people at both facilities. There are a few people I’d like to mention and one is a nurse called Dianne at HSC. She was a little spitfire full of spunk and determination trying to improve the horrible situation we found ourselves in. Another was the Movie Star I met when going for a cat-scan at HSC; she looked as though she had stepped out of a 50’s movie. Darryl, an orderly, who looked sixteen but turned out to be quite forceful when he thought I was getting too much company; announced no more and told me to go to sleep. I did. I made a point of asking everyone their name and something about them and it’s amazing what they shared. It made the whole experience more real and prevented me from sliding into a pity pit. Here at Boundary Trails, Kim the hairdresser is very special and is a natural care-giver and I must be careful not to play favourites too blatantly. I’ve always wanted to go zip-lining and now I do on a daily basis from bed to wheelchair and back again. There are some staff members who go to great lengths to make this transition without pain for me and one is Marcus. Anna has had her shoulder used on a numerous occasion when I’ve had a meltdown and the list continues.

I’ve always wanted a helicopter ride and I was air lifted by STARS helicopter from Boundary to HSC but I don’t remember any of this in fact I have no memory of three days. It has been incredibly difficult on my family. I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and prayers.

One of the worst parts of being laid up was missing our Friesen gathering hosted again at Martin and Dorothy Friesen’s in Altona on Saturday, Aug. 24. I was very fortunate to have my uncle Abe and Aunt Anna Friesen of Winnipeg, come by Boundary for a chat. Some of the people who had not attended last year came for the varenika lunch this year and I’m sorry for missing the schmoozing.

On Sunday, Aug. 25 Dave and I celebrated our 45 wedding anniversary. And even though it wasn’t what we would have imagined in a million years, we still had fun. Jim and Judith Schellenberg, friends from Mitchell popped in and we went to the cafeteria for coffee and ice-cream. Judith brought me the absolute most gorgeous piece of bling I’ve ever worn.

I don’t know when I’ll be going home but I’ll try to keep you up to date on the Rosenfeld community’s activities. What would the world be like without computers?

August 12, 2013

August 12, 2013 Rosenfeld News by Tina Wolfe

It’s definitely fall when the farmers bring out their combines and begin the harvest. Friday, Aug. 9 late afternoon the Penner’s were busy east of Rosenfeld making short work of the wheat field when using five combines. Another sign of fall’s arrival is the orioles leaving; we don’t have to fill the feeder as often anymore but now we have hummingbirds on a daily basis. The blue jays sure are noisy at this time of year screaming at the top of their lungs until a person just feels like throwing something at them. The brown thrush, robins and cedar waxwings are busy checking out the grapes so I’ll have to very diligent in order to get picking before they do.

Our cucumbers are very slow so I went to the farm and our daughter-in-law, Anna, shared some of theirs and I’ve finished canning dills. Next on the list is tomatoes and we’re picking those by the bucket so that won’t take long to have 6 ice-cream pails in the freezer waiting to be made into spaghetti sauce and salsa. The corn needs some hot temperatures and the weather forecast is for the low 30’s this coming weekend and that’s just what the doctor ordered.

The flower beds change colours on a weekly basis. Most of the lilies are finished blooming other than the daylilies which are outperforming themselves this year. The dahlias are huge this summer but I think this is the last year I’ll be putting them in; it’s getting too much work for me. I’ll keep a few and sell the rest at our garage sale in spring. I think I’ll be doing the same thing with the cannas lilies. Dave and I are planning to throw poppy, zinnia, larkspur and heritage petunia seed into the garden in fall to cut back on so much planting in spring.

Comment so true

A while back one of the columnists commented on the change of taste in cottage cheese. I thought my taste buds were just having a bad day the last time I bought some. I used to love cottage cheese with salt and pepper, with fruit or salad but not anymore. It doesn’t taste like anything; there’s no flavour to it anymore and what’s all that goop in the creamy containers?  Not much cottage cheese, mostly that jelly goop.

Chores

The other day while cleaning bathrooms a thought came to me, yeah I know while cleaning toilets, and I wondered where the word char-woman came from. Does it come from the master commanding, “Do your chars, woman.” That’s how I feel when cleaning bathrooms. Now don’t get me wrong I love my indoor facility especially when growing up we had to use an outhouse. Brr, was that cold in winter. But I know people with three or four and then for goodness sakes my youngest sister and her husband build a house with five bathrooms. I just about flipped my lid and went through the roof when she told me. But then she added, “I’m getting a cleaning lady”. Well, I said Hallelujah, you’re going to need one or you’ll be cleaning bathrooms every day.

Birthday wishes

The Friesen family is planning a celebration for Tony H. Friesen who is turning 100 years old on August 18. The party is happening at the Altona Senior Center on Saturday, Aug, 17 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. The Rosenfeld community would like to wish Tony a very happy birthday. Tony used to be a regular at our local coffee shop and always could be counted on for a smile.

Another special birthday wish goes out to our granddaughter Gabrielle Jane on her sweet sixteenth birthday, August 11.

A happy anniversary wish goes to Betty and John Warkentin of Altona. They celebrated 51 years of togetherness on August 11.

Baby news

The community sends congratulations to David and Manda Zacharias on the arrival of a baby girl. Sheila joined the family on Tuesday, Aug.6.

Europe trip

Last week I cut my column short due to a very important phone call in the middle of my typing. Our granddaughter Amber who stayed behind in Germany called to chat and so the column became second fiddle. Amber will be done her au-pair year in January and said that she’s running out of time for her to do everything on her list. Her top priority is to go to Ireland and she told me that at times flights could be had for less than $50.00. That’s what it costs us to drive to Winnipeg with our truck. Anyway, we chatted for an hour and by that time all my column ideas had flown the coop.

The rest of the Wolfe family arrived home tired but full of adventure stories. Dave and I have seen pictures of their stay in Rome and Florence and that took two hours. I’m a regular Curious George so I had to see every picture with no flicking through too fast. The coliseum in Rome was unbelievable and the wine country in Tuscany is absolutely breathtaking. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is hilarious the way it tilts to one direction and is totally out of whack with the surrounding buildings. I can’t wait to see the rest of the pictures and continue being an arm chair traveller.

Speedy recovery

The community would like to wish Erna Penner, daughter of Elmer and Neta Penner a speedy recovery after her surgery Thursday, Aug.8. Erna underwent kidney removal after tests showed that one kidney was not functioning properly. Erna was released on Sunday, Aug.11 and it is reported that she is doing well and needs to be reminded to slow down. Her parents bought a miniature horse for her just before the surgery but she will need to recuperate before taking on the challenge of riding him.