How we appreciate the warmer days. One can sit outside and hear the birds singing away, telling us they are happy, too. I think most of the summer birds are back, except the hummingbirds, who won't come for a month or so.
The pumps have been taken in for now, but there was one on every street for a while last week. When the village was developing through the years, ditches and culverts were a rare thing. This year we know that was not the way to go and steps should be taken to rectify the problems.
The transfer site at Meota is open Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., accepting bagged garbage only.
It is interesting to watch the ice situation on the lake, as the sun shines and it melts away. The Lions could not host their golf cart drop this year because of restrictions on handling money and all the rules about distancing and so on. It will likely be back on track next year.
Hand sanitizer is extremely flammable, so if you're working around the barbecue or a gas stove, wash with soap and water. It's safer.
A lady south of Meota has a supply of jigsaw puzzles that she would part with, if anyone is still looking for some. Her number is 306-441-3773.
News from the golf course is that they will open May 15. Tee times will be obligatory, no walk-ons. Power carts can be rented, but no pull carts or golf clubs can be rented. The driving range is closed until further notice. More details concerning food and beverages and other restrictions will be listed next issue. Stan will be in the club house May1 and can take membership calls. Their board meeting is Monday evening when they will finalize details on rates and restrictions that will affect the operating procedures.
Driving on Sunday I saw something new. One cabin owner was impatient to be rid of the snow on the lakeside of his property and was hauling snow in a wheelbarrow from the front of his lot, to the back and dumping it where the sun could take care of it.
Jackfish Creek is running well and the fish will be taking advantage of that to get to their spawning grounds. The crocuses are out, a sure sign of spring. There are a lot of people spending more time than usual at their summer homes, especially with the children out of school.
Another new idea I spotted in a show from the Yukon was an outdoor toilet seat covered with a sheet of compressed fibreglass. It surely wouldn't be as cold as bare wood.
The topic of the day is flooding, as the weather turned warm so quickly the water had no time to get away, resulting in ice jams on the rivers. The flood situation at Fort McMurray is ongoing as I send in this Sunday evening. Their only bridge, over the Athabasca River, that is usually 40 feet above the water is almost under water tonight. Some areas are under a state of emergency and are evacuated while other areas are on alert to evacuate.
