Monthly Archives: July 2009

In a much younger life I worked for a summer for a company called NEPRO.  At the time, this was a Jim Pattison company (who, for those interested, has a personal history around the area – particularly around Luseland).

In a number of our jaunts around the province, I and a friend painted signs.  More often than not we were dealing with neon signs, or replacing plastic shielding/signs.  But, every once in a while we would do touch ups  on signs.

The paint was thick and did not drip.  The finish was glossy and stood out against whatever background it was painted upon.

This week I wanted to paint a few letters on a sign.  The background is white and so black would have done just fine.  But, around this town there are no stores that sell sign paint.  Or even a similar type of paint.  There’s enamel, floor, deck, bathroom, exterior, interior, cement and other varieties of paint.  But nothing of the consistency of sign paint.

Now, I would like to complete the sign as soon as possible.  So, I’m contemplating which paint would be the closest consistency.  I’m wondering if perhaps some of that aged paint in the basement just might do the job!

Well, there are days when you feel that life is drifting.  Not in a bad sense.  But in the sense of slowing down to make way for regeneration. 

After a year of activity, uncertainty and hope this lull is just what is needed.  Not that a lull means less work time!  Just a lift in intensity. 

Two weeks from now we are hoping to be at a cabin in northern Saskatchewan.  There is no TV, no computer hookup, and no lack of time to relax.  Until then, there are  few things to care for and activities to work on.

Thankfully, summer is here!  I feel a song coming on .  .  . Summertime, and the livin’ is easy . . .

My daughter and her kids enjoyed another day with us. 

Hannah (3 months) continues to have great smiles and deep cries.  Feeding times are regular and sleeps happen just as regularly. 

Christopher (3 years) loves to try new things, but also has his own mind.  We’ve had a good ride to do an errand, and tried to encourage eating a whole hamburger.

When all is said and done, and as the day winds down, I’m glad they’ve been able to join us.  Living hours apart means these times are the link.  I’m always glad when you can sense they know who you are.  Too bad that the times together are spread apart by months at a time. 

So, one more sleep over and then they plan on heading back.  Thanks for a good time together and we look forward to the next time.

Within the past month I have touched base with at least seven people who  have moved within our town.  Some are moving from a rental to an owned home.  Others are going from a detached home to a condominium.   Others from one rental to another.  Perhaps the most fun to watch is those who are going from a fair sized home to a downsized rental.

I’ve prayed for strength for those who are moving, in the midst of tensions that arise.  For the younger people who move, the tension is more on the side of expectation of hope.  For those older, the tension tends to come with expectation of uncertainty. 

In tests of stress, a move  places  you on the scale right up there with a loved one dying.  You can see some of that as you walk amongst the “moved ones”.  One told me to not become a collector.  Another hopes this is the last move.

To lump these location changers all together is a mistake.  Moving can be a sign of deterioration or of expansion.  The change of abode can mean new and exciting surroundings or leaving behind the familiar and the certain.

So, if you are wandering the streets of Kindersley or are out for coffee, don’t be surprised if the conversation turns to the drought, the price of oil and what it’s like to move!!