The crops are getting harvested quicker this year as yields are low because of the horrendous drought. Recent rain did halt operations, but now we are again experiencing warmer days.
Fifteen-year-old Brooklin Fry of Shell Lake has excelled again with her golfing abilities. She won her second straight and third Saskatchewan Junior Women's championship. Brooklin is the daughter to Mayfair Central School's former principal Susan (Brad) Fry.
Spiritwood is popular for the annual Fast Fly-In Breakfast in the month of August. Seventeen pilots flew in for this Sunday morning event which had a gathering of 250 hungry people. Harold Fast invited Saskatchewan Aviation Museum to bring their Tiger Moth craft to offer flights.
This vintage aircraft took 10 people who purchased the flight and was busy throughout the day. The Tiger Moth is a 1930s bi-plane that was designed in Great Britain. It was used by the Royal Air Force to train pilots for the Second World War.
Marlene and Fred Walters hosted the breakfast along with many volunteers in their farm yard.
The funeral mass for 95-year-old former North Battleford resident, Paul Gregoire, was held Sept. 4 at St. Vital Church in Battleford. It was great to visit with my many cousins once again. His oldest son, Nestor, performed the service. Nestor is now relocated to a Moose Jaw parish. At age 75, Father Nestor chose not to retire, yet.
The music ministry by cousins Joe and Judy Fransoo along with the choir was superb.
My Uncle Paul passed away over a year ago in a Warman senior care home. COVID-19 put the service on hold until now.
School buses are again busy on the roads transporting precious cargo, so drivers should use cautionary measures when they see the flashing lights. The students in all levels of education from kindergarten to university/college campuses appear to be wearing masks for classes. Some universities require students to have both COVID-19 vaccinations. Many functions ‑ sports or concerts ‑ are warning people to get a test before entering or need to see a vaccination immunization card at the entrance. Unfortunately, Saskatchewan is the province with the lowest vaccinated population.
Last week I wrote about the Saskatchewan elevator books that are selling quickly. My oldest brother, Ron Gregoire, was an elevator agent in his younger years in Pathlow before purchasing a farm near St. Brieux. He was delighted to buy this book, as it brings back many good memories. At one time he was in charge of the three elevators with different companies while trying to keep everyone happy. Pathlow is approximately 20 miles from Melfort.
Another book, "The Truth about the Barn," by David Elias is a good read for prairie folks. Many of the large hip-roofed structures are a thing of the past. Grain farmers do not require barns on their yards. The author reveals the history of barns and illustrates they are more than just timber and nails.
The farmers market in Rabbit Lake proved to be a big hit this past spring and summer. The last one was Saturday long weekend but one can still order from the vendors wherever they reside.
Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. the Rabbit Lake Seniors Sunrise Hall is hosting a community potluck supper. Contribute by bringing a dish and pay $5 at the door. It could be a very good turnout, especially if some locals have completed harvesting.
Aren't we lucky to have not been visited by Jack Frost yet? Temperatures have dipped low but not to the extent of frost appearing. With the abundance of rain, the gardens are still flourishing.
