Opinion

You want to read a recap of the past year’s successes? Not from me you won’t. I say good riddance to a bad year, an unlucky 2013.

As I write this column, I am sitting in Gloria's kitchen in Phoenix. I have been picking oranges, there are hummingbirds everywhere and it is plus 21. Another day in paradise.

Our annual euchre tournament wound up on a snowy Monday. The winner was Bernie Todd, whose name will be engraved on the Gordon Richmond Memorial Trophy. Second place went to Al Ziebart, third to Connie Todd and Joyce Baker was in the money as well.

It looked as though it was going to be one of your worst nightmares come true, but thankfully, despite those who believe the contrary, Okotoks has not lost its small town attitude.

Many in the world have been touched in some way by this man who gave so much of his life to ensure others in South Africa would benefit both now and into the future.

I need to tell you about this fantastic live concert coming up this Thursday and Friday at the United Church in Okotoks with performances by several local area musicians and others.

It was a heartwarming morning working alongside friends, families and complete strangers to give a community a much needed jolt of holiday spirit.

Well Santa will have no problem getting around this Christmas as we got hit with quite a winter storm on Monday. The high winds caused severe drifting and made the commute to work on Tuesday a challenge for all of us.

They say it’s always darkest before the dawn, and if our countdown to solstice is any indication, I’m counting on them being right. With the return of the light to our dark winter days, solstice gives us reason for hope and celebration.

Our Wednesday afternoon bridge luncheon was so much fun. Many thanks to everyone who helped set up, take down, wash dishes and generally tidy up; and a huge thank you to the special lady who took all the laundry home.