There are some days when one could be forgiven for staying in bed.
Last Monday, Feb. 21, was such a day: rainy, cold and wet. Yet, out of habit I suppose, I got up at the same time as usual, had breakfast as usual and called my friend, Carol.
We talked about work we do behind the scenes to help bring the Chorfest about and we talked about all the “Happenings in Harrison.”
This prompted us to decide to pay a visit to the Ranger Station Art Gallery to see the exhibit the Monday Painters have put up for the month of February. This group has been around for a very long time.
Once a year they have their main exhibit at the United Church in Agassiz and the collective talent of the group is quite impressive.
The mid-winter show in Harrison is much smaller but just as interesting. I was surprised to see the work of "fellow chorist" Judy McKinnon - what a multi-talented lady she is! Though the art gallery is not big, one can assemble a lot of talent in that small room!
In the afternoon it started to look like snow and I wondered what this would do to our choir practice, scheduled for that evening at the Kent Elementary School in Agassiz. But all went well and we had a very good practice. The songs we learn for the Chorfest are again a step up for us and, I think, we all deserve a pat on the back.
But much thanks goes to our director, Brenda Di Rezze and faithful accompanist, Beccie Bokenfohr. These two amazing ladies just never tire to get the best out of us and bring us to new heights!
When I awoke on Tuesday, the snow had accumulated quite a bit, but I did make it to a Parks and Recreation meeting I did not want to miss.
Afterwards, some of us went to the Country Cafe for lunch which is one of the favorite gathering places for us locals.
By next morning the snow had accumulated quite a bit and I decided to stay at home, catch up with phone calls and other things in need of being done.
Thursday, as you know, is my Aqua Yoga day. It starts at 9 a.m. in the morning and at that time it was quite icy outside and one had to be careful. But once we were in the warm water, the world was beautiful! We were four brave “yogis,” one genuine and three students, plus some people who just enjoyed the warm mineral water plus our entertainment.
There was even a lady doing laps who also seemed to have a lot of fun. So, here is to our local hot pool! As a reward for our hard work, we had paninis after at the deli.
Life is tough!
There was a slide show we wanted to see in the evening about a hike some people took from Mt. Cheam to Hope, but, unfortunately, it was postponed on account of the weather.
Friday brought a smile to everybody's face - it was sunny and bright! The air was crisp but, if you dressed right, very invigorating!
In the morning I went with another volunteer to the Memorial Hall to look for Chorfest decorations. The view from the front of the hall over the lake was just superb! Inside, the festival team was setting up for their Saturday concert. We, too, had tickets to the Paper Boys, another sold out event!
And, on Sunday, we threw a big “Oscar” party, with a spaghetti dinner, popcorn and wine to celebrate the Academy Awards night.
There is nothing going on in Harrison, you say? Well, there is and I can attest to it! Next week I will try to go with some friends to the “Harmonies” at the hall on Tuesday. It sounds like a lot of fun and I will tell you all about it!
Ruth Altendorf writes weekly for The Observer.