So much to see, so much to do, so little time — that’s the conundrum many people are experiencing right now as they attempt to navigate the very full days of summer 2022 in the city, in the country, at the lake and in the parks.
It has been a long two years in terms of patience, two years in which our summers were stifled by disease and a worry about being too close to anyone not fully within our family/friendship circle.
But now it is heave ho-and let’s all go - to fairs and festivals, campgrounds and tourist sites, to visit Grandma and Grandpa, enjoy some fishing and maybe a day or two just driving the backroads to experience new aspects of everyday living.
Of course, just the other day, I overheard a young adult bemoaning the fact there is nothing to do in Moose Jaw. I wanted to interrupt his conversation at the gas pumps but decided to mind my own business, all the while thinking I’d like to lay out a calendar for him to follow for the next month. By July 31 he would be begging for a day off to rest.
And so it begins, summer time and the living is easy.
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The Hometown Fair Parade attracted families and friends and neighbours to Main Street sidewalks and boulevards on June 22. While I was gawking around a person who was almost blocking my view, a gentleman rode by on a bicycle. A second glance revealed the gentleman as Mayor Clive Tolley, right out there among his constituents, exchanging greetings and smiles as he carefully navigated the parade route. And in case you missed it, he was wearing a helmet (that didn’t say “Mayor”) and a safety vest. Well-done Mr. Mayor.
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My favourite parade entry was contributed by the Moose Jaw Anavets Club No. 252. In keeping with the theme of a “salute to heroes,” the group wisely selected 97-year-old Al Cameron as its hero. Mr. Cameron, a veteran of the Second World War, was centre stage on the float, surrounded by cadets, and personnel from 15 Wing. What a beautiful tribute to a true, real-life hero.
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There’s little that can compare to the excitement of seeing the RCMP Musical Ride. I have been privileged to see the ride many times over the years and in a place of honour in our home is a thank you photo given to me for helping to organize an earlier appearance in Moose Jaw.
Despite having seen the ride before, there was still something magical and heart-warming standing in the hot sun and viewing the riders, their horses and glancing at the faces of enthralled grannies and grandchildren. Especially exciting was watching the amazement on the faces of local immigrant families, perhaps seeing for the first time one of our true symbols of Canadian living.
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Since 1985 patients at my doctor’s office have been greeted by the smiling face of June. So imagine my surprise when I learned June had decided to retire, with June 29 being her final day. Over the years we have chatted about different topics, including my health, and she has been patient and kind to all of us.
On the phone she was accommodating and managed to work a bit of magic when this caller whined and insisted her ear ache might be a matter of life and death. With her managerial skills she worked me in and I left the office feeling much better.
Her smiling face will be missed but I know I join others in wishing June a happy retirement.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
