People visiting Smithers this week: a man from Victoria. He had been in the air force for 34 years, recently retired.
He was raised in the Quebec area and never lost his French accent. He and his wife took the ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert, came as far as Smithers to spend the night and are now on their way to Prince George. He volunteers as a youth and young men’s leader.
Next was a newlywed couple. June 10 was their big day. She was born in Vanderhoof, spent her early years there and then the family moved to the States where she finished growing into a beautiful young lady. She ended up marrying a fellow from Vanderhoof and for the next few months they are living in Smithers as he has work here.
After that I met a woman who has just moved to Granisle. She and her husband bought a condo and plan to live there for the summer months. In the winter months they shall return to a small town in Mexico where they assist a Mennonite community, working to bring health services to the surrounding area.
Later I attended a luncheon where I met Liberal MLA John Rustad along with two other MLAs from Cariboo-Chilcotin and Abbotsford; they called this trip a “Rural Caucus”. It was meaningful to have their attention for nearly 1½ hours. We were able to tell them about some of the difficulties living in this rural area, although we all agreed this was the best and most beautiful part of BC. Recently I attended another luncheon, this one for Premier Christy Clark. She was visiting northern communities. Appeared very young, enthusiastic, good speaker. Walked around the large dining area shaking hands with everyone. Lots of representatives from Smithers and Telkwa municipal governments along with a good sprinkling of Liberal and NDP members. Pamela Martin was there and I was able to have a moment with her, always admired how she presented herself on TV News. Believable.
Live music at Eddy Park in Telkwa; a chance to have a picnic, bring blankets, lawn chairs, your partner, kids and parents to listen to great local music and enjoy summer (if it ever gets here). The next evening is August 11, 6 to 8 p.m. and every other weekend after that into September.
CICK 93.9, our local community radio station has new radio shows: Lightening Guitar Monsters (father/son duo); Sounds of Fury; Porch Talk (I conduct interviews with local people); SLOB and This Album Goes to 11. New schedules available at local coffee shops. Try listening, it is community news and music, enjoyable and timely. Check out smithersradio.com to listen or at 93.9 on your radio. Check out other shows and how to become a member.
Some web sites to help you live simply: frugalliving.about.com, a good source of ideas; simplelivingforum.net, ongoing discussion groups; www.frugalvillage.com, connect with others; www.stretcher.com, articles, newsletters; wishabi.ca, a Canadian site. Coupon sites: www.save.ca; www.canadianfreestuff.com.
Lorraine Doiron writes the weekly View from the Porch.
