We in the local news biz here in Outlook are back at the grind again after a couple of weeks off for a summer break.
It was needed, it was appreciated, and it was a great time of reflection.
But it was also the end of the road for one major part of my life. I'll explain.
But first, let me share some things about the past three weeks that were a blast.
First off, Canada Day events this year were a massive hit here in the riverside community. I really tip my hat to all of those involved behind the scenes. Whether it was the parade (always a crowd pleaser), the car show, the multicultural displays and foods, the kids zone, the ball games outside, the live musical entertainment over in the shade, the indoor movie out on the main ice surface, or of course, the night-ending fireworks display, the 2024 edition of Outlook's July 1st celebrations were a home run.
My advice, regardless of what little or modest weight it carries, would be to keep the Jim Kook Rec Plex as Outlook's Canada Day headquarters from this point on. Yes, I know there's something of an unwritten agreement between the rink and the regional park that they "trade off" on hosting Canada Day events each year, but I think the rink more than fits the bill for hosting any manner of events that can be dreamed up. The park, meanwhile, could be a second venue for other July 1 events that are created, with the obvious focus or theme being the outdoors. Just my two cents...
Funnily enough, I was actually supposed to be on my summer holidays while Canada Day approached. But you know what? With July 1 being my favorite day of the year anyway, I can honestly say that for the most part, it didn't really feel like work. So what else did my summer break have in store for me?
Well, my brother and I traveled to two places within the span of one week. Monday to Monday, we motored out to the city of Calgary to spend a few days at my brother Jim's. When we weren't visiting with him and his family, we were visiting our cousins, and when we weren't visiting with them, we were at the Saddledome watching live pro wrestling being broadcasted on TSN. After the show, we walked over to Hitman's Bar, a pub owned by Calgary and Canadian wrestling legend Bret 'the Hitman' Hart. It was loud and insanely busy, given how a bunch of people just walked over from the Calgary Stampede grounds, but after waiting 15-20 minutes, we finally grabbed a booth and ordered drinks and food. It's a cool place with a low-key vibe and atmosphere, or rather, it WOULD be if it hadn't been so hectic on this particular night. As a wrestling fan my whole life, I really dug the ring attire and championship titles that were on display behind glass.
When we got back from Calgary on Thursday night, it felt like we blinked before we were back on the road headed north on Saturday, this time for Candle Lake, where we were actually able to snag a cabin rental back at the end of May. I got to say, it felt great being able to drive up to the lake and actually *stay there* for a couple of nights as opposed to the whole "drive up for the day" formula I typically use. It was relaxing, it was fun, it was memorable, and I can't wait to do it again some day.
Rest of the vacation? Eh, relaxation, I guess. Catching up on things sitting in my TV's DVR, reading, and trying to combat the heat and humidity that we've been having here in west central Saskatchewan lately.
But another thing happened in the last few weeks that saw one chapter of my life close.
See, I've been doing what I do for 17 years. In all of that time, the professional side of my life took place at The Outlook newspaper's office building at 108 Saskatchewan Avenue East.
This place was where I learned all the ins and outs of being a journalist, whether it was through lessons learned that were good, bad, or ugly.
This place was where I spent countless nights after hours and after a million events, writing and crafting stories that tell of what life is like in this west central part of the province.
This place was where I got the phone call that told me that my dad was on his way out of this life. I still can't believe I didn't crash as I sped out of town that Monday morning.
This place was where my coworkers and I stood our ground in a bizarre battle with the mayor and town council over community questions that we knew deserved answers. It was great having random people stop in to pledge their support of us trying to do our job.
This place was where I grew in mind, perspective and spirit, and it's a place that I'll always remember.
As I grabbed my last few boxes that remained on July 3rd, it hit me pretty hard that something that I'd known for almost 20 years was ending. Sure, there's obviously something to be said for new beginnings, as you can now find Delwyn and Shelley just up the street at the new location just beside the Bargain Shop.
As for me, I work from home now, but of course, you'll still see me out and about at a million more events happening in our busy part of Saskatchewan here. Say 'hey' sometime.
I'm glad my summer holidays arrived when they did. A little reflection was needed, a little breather was required.
And now it's time to get back to work.
But the thing is, folks, that a change in work scenery isn't the only significant change that I'm witnessing right now. I'll talk about that one next week.
'Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.' - John F. Kennedy
For this week, that's been the Ruttle Report.
