Author: Ron Baker

This author has written 2753 articles

25 years later – Carol Festival keeps going

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We were told (by a reputable source!) that the community carol festival started 34  years ago.  Another reputable source disputed the date – “longer ago than that!”

25 years ago was our last time at the festival.  The building was the same – the United Church in town.  The people have aged together — with some new additions. 

The program was 2 1/2 hours long – probably pushing the limits of centered concentration.  The music was good — for a community this size there are vocal talents galore.

I sang with a quartet.  I guess my voice carried well.  Via the post office, via the school office, via . . . the word is out that the Alliance Pastor can sing (my wife would add “loud”)!

 I love a town this size. 

I’m always amazed how swift the grapevine diffuses a message.   People tell people who tell people.  Sometimes you know who, other times you guess who, and other times best not to know who! 

I’m one who believes in communicating with others.  I recognize that the grapevine will always be one of the major contributors. 

Oh, and about that grapevine!  Don’t get in a flap — tap the sap — and let the message go!

Left Peace

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A child comes into the local convenience store.  After carefully examining all of the shelves, she pronounces that they are missing a brand name chocolate bar.   With all the passion of a seven year old she implores the owner to get some.

The owner sees an opportunity to make money, so next week there is a shelf section dedicated to the candy bar.  The child appears again.  This time the protest is over the need for a different chocolate bar.  The owner notes that none of the original bars are bought.

Week after week the saga continues.  The owner gains well stocked shelves but the child has not bought one chocolate bar.  As though getting what she wants is to take away her enjoyment.

One day the owner confronts the child at the door.  In his hand is the ultimate delectible treat.  He stretches his arm out to her.  She recoils. 

“It’s yours.”

“I don’t want it!”

“I’m not asking you to pay for it.”

“I still don’t want it.”

The owner puts the treat back on the counter.  The young child disappears.  The last glimpse of her coat tail is accompanied by the words, “Somebody gives me somethin’.  That’s no fun!”

Last Day!

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A few months ago, our Church board chair moved to another town.  The job was there and the timing was right.

They left behind a house to be sold.  For insurance purposes someone needed to be checking it every other day.  We lived just down the back alley.  Another couple lived on the other side of town.  Both of us got keys.  But we were the more likely candidates to oversee the regular “walk through”. 

The house finally sold (a burden off the shoulders of our friends!).  The possession date is December 1st.  So, this morning I shovelled the newly fallen snow from the walk, did a walk through, and bid farewell to the opportunity to examine the house every other day. 

I guess I’ll have to find another excuse for exercise!

O Christmas Tree

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Last night the Christmas tree appeared.

Living in a new home, our first question was where to place the tree.  Our picture window views the fenced backyard.  Right in the middle of the three panes, and out a few feet from the wall, was a good position.

We haven’t had to worry about fake or real lately.  I carried a box from the basement storage and Jill, my wife, began the process of unpacking and assembling the tree.  After a few hundred lights were placed and tree ornaments affixed, the tree looks good.

We fired up the string of lights, stood and admired!  We are ready for the holiday – and we still call it Christmas!