MAYFAIR — What horrendous winds we endured last Tuesday and on a couple of other days. Darn near blows a person over! Many bedding plants that gardeners have put into the ground without protection were damaged. I see some must have planted early because I’ve noticed potato plants eight inches in height already. An early start on many outdoor projects with exceedingly nice temps. The high winds haven’t deterred the ball teams from playing, while the spectators in their winter gear are huddled up on the benches. The precipitation that was spotty last week was a blessing. Just taking a deep breath of fresh air after a rainfall, especially early morning, is so good for your lungs.
The readers of this newspaper will thoroughly miss Meota’s correspondent Lorna Pearson’s weekly news column. Last week the title of Meota and District News was “A final submission to the News-Optimist.” I first met her 16 years ago in Chitek Lake when one afternoon she came to my restaurant for coffee. Lorna must have known my maiden name and informed me her daughter Donna is married to my first cousin Albert Lambert formerly of North Battleford. Do any readers remember Lambert Tire and Battery business on 100th Street north of the Capitol Theatre? It was established by my uncle Alphonse during the 1950s era for a couple of decades before his son, Albert, took it over. My uncle and auntie (Georgina) then moved to Surrey, B.C. where they resided before coming back to the prairies. Lorna Pearson had a news column years ago in the Spiritwood newspaper. Then after her husband passed away she moved to Meota. As a kid, she grew up in the Prince district and has relatives residing in the area.
I spent my childhood on the family farm in that area, so we had lots to chat about. Lorna, I wish you well in your forthcoming journey in your “later” senior years (she’s in her mid-90s), good health and happiness. Living in the Edam seniors’ manor sounds wonderful and you deserve nothing but the best. Just by your mannerism, I know every resident is glad to have you as a golden ray of sunshine among them.
Looking for chemical-free fresh garden produce? Look no further because Bill’s Market Garden will begin making deliveries twice a week to Jackfish Lake and Murray Lakes and to the Battlefords in the middle of June. Owning this enterprise since 2013, Bill Landrie in the Hatherleigh district is well known for excellent quality produce. Check this business out by Googling Bill’s Market Garden to make inquiries and to order what is available.
Last Thursday, I attended the funeral of a first cousin on my father’s side of the family (Joe Gregoire, who passed away five decades ago). Yvonne Arsenault of North Battleford was 96. She is the last descendant on the Gregoire side. She and her late husband Bill resided near McMillan School District approximately 12 miles northwest of North Battleford. They raised a family of four sons and six daughters. Most of the family members live throughout the Battlefords.
Mayfair Creative Corner’s spring breakfast plant and craft sale is over for another year. Fourteen vendors were selling a large variety of bedding and perennial plants, books, baking and other items. There was a fair size crowd now and again that came through the doors, but sales were down. With the warm spring, many people had already purchased their plants elsewhere.
Joanna Roth, a Hafford farm woman with three young children, has written two children’s books depicting their family life. She writes on the back cover, “Is motherhood what you thought it would be? Would you like to share an honest moment with your child to express how you’re truly feeling in a fun, loving way? Let’s be honest, motherhood is not always sunshine and rainbows, and we as mothers are not perfect and that’s OK!” She is an amazing author.
The brightly coloured pictures are beautifully presented as the storyline continues. Books are available in paperback and hardcover. Her maiden name is Kohut. I laughed and said, “Oh gee, my daughter used to hang around/party with you during high school.” Since Mayfair’s high school had a sparse number of students, teenagers would drive to nearby towns for some action.
My apologies from two weeks ago for the caption with the Polischuk family photo. Vera Horn is on the left-hand side and on the right is Janice Horn. I had put the name Vera two times.
Farmers in our area are close to finishing their seeding. Some have completed but the fields still have tractors pulling their airseeders, cultivators and other machinery.
Mark your calendars for the Meeting Lake outdoors farmers market which is scheduled for every second Saturday. This Saturday, many cabin owners and campers will be at the nearby regional park so business should be brisk for the many vendors on board.
Fire bans appear to have been lifted by most rural municipalities, so cabin and lake people can again have open fires. Farmers like me are ready to burn household garbage in steel containers. This has been bagged up for three weeks.
