Funny, it never entered my mind until I read John Green’s letter to the Editor in last week’s Agassiz-Harrison-Hope Observer edition. This happened, perhaps, because when I look at “my bridge”, I see a bridge that has a very elegant and romantic outline — feminine, if you will. In my mind I can see children crossing it on the way to school, housewives short-cutting to the downtown area or visiting each other.
When I think of a bridge suitable to honour John Allen, other attributes come to my mind such as “big, bold and manly.” Not that I think John cannot be romantic, far from it. But his main characteristics are different and we have to find a bridge more suitable for him. In my opinion, his bridge should be part of a main artery running through the town such as the one bridging the Miama River at Hot Springs Road. It would be close to all he loves: There is his home, now a country club, the Village Office he so frequently occupied, the beach he often visited on his dune buggy, the Memorial Hall he never passed without coming in to check out what was going on, a pub and the river running through it all. But, since this bridge might not be ours to name (being under the provincial jurisdiction), we should search for something equally suitable— another bridge, a mountain perhaps, or a lookout! Let’s be inspired, it is not often we have a chance to do so!
Things have calmed at Harrison Hot Springs, as they usually do at this time of the year. But, not completely!
Unfortunately, I missed a great weekend at the beach due to my eye operation. There was the craft show at the Memorial Hall hosted by the Harrison Festival of the Arts. There was also the opening of the new Bandshell on the beach followed by an afternoon of concerts which I hear was enjoyed by many people. Over at the Ranger Station Art Gallery there was the opening of the September Show — a photography display of the works of Jutta and Michael Schulz.
I might walk over there, since walking is next on my list I have given it a headstart this summer, which might be of help. Also, with both eyes done now (I just had the second cataract operation Wednesday, a week ago) I am looking forward to be able to read books again. It is amazing how much one misses what one cannot have! Luckily, I was able to read the newspaper all along. This week, I especially enjoyed Terrill Scott’s and Jacquelynne Garden’s articles about library summer activities and a book club for the winter. It sounds like a lot of fun and I wish them all the best, especially the book club. Perhaps I can become an “imaginary” book club member. I have to find out!
I will also join my family in getting ready for my grandson Andrew’s wedding to Khristy, a very beautiful and all around nice girl! There is something very special about weddings and to be part of it is always an honour. There are two more visits to Minter Gardens marked on my calendar and lunch with the Harrison Hot Springs Social Club at Kilby Historic Site’s Harrison River Restaurant. I will try to do it all. We are so lucky to have such a super garden relatively close by and I really want to see what they are doing at the Kilby Historic Site. I have to say that I am very, very happy that they received the money to restore it. Humble as these buildings are, they are our history and we need them. We have to be able to look back if we want to be able to look forward!
