Thursday, February 28, 2008

The Gate to "Eternity" ...

Two things are common to cemeteries on the Prairies:
spruce trees and wind!!
Minnedosa's hill top cemetery is no exception
on either count, but the view for the top is stunning.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Sunny Saturday on the Lake ...

Ice Huts (way off in the distance to the left),
Hockey rinks (behind the hut to the right),
and snowmobiles (they were up in the park)
made the lake a buzy place.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

FULL Lights AND Sirens ...

Okay in BIG urban centres folks become immune to THESE moments, but in a small town when one of the three Police Cars at the local detachment tears down the Main Street with full lights and sirens - YOU NOTICE and PAY ATTENTION.

It happens THAT seldom.

No idea where they were off to, or what happened. I hope things turned out okay.

But, this morning for a moment there was a little bit of excitement for folks in town.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Coffee's Always On ...


What better way to pass a cold winter's afternoon than relaxing with a cup of hot coffee??

It's all in the details ...


Thursday, February 21, 2008

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

A Winter Interlude ...

While some braved the bitter cold out on the Lake for the 2nd Annual Skate the Lake Pond Hockey tournament, a smaller group gathered around the skating oval in Tanners' Crossing Park just off Main St for the Minnedosa version for the Festival D'Voyager!!!

This week in Winnipeg the world's biggest outdoor Kitchen Party is being held to celebrate the Metis-Voyager culture that gave birth to this faire province, while on Sunday afternoon in Minnedosa a mini-version of the outdoor party was held down town ...

Between the Festival and Skate the Lake, it was a good weekend to be outside enjoying the activities and fun!!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Sunday, February 17, 2008

One Month Challenge ...

For the next 30 days,
Chipperfield Coffee Company
is engaging in
Fair Trade Manitoba's
ONE MONTH CHALLENGE.
Customers are encouraged to select
Fair Trade items
over the next 30 days to show thier support
of the Fair Trade movement and its goal of
bettering the lives of coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar and
other producers in the countries of origins around the world.
Sales have been brisk, and customers will
over the next 30 days,
be treated to a wide range of quality Fair Trade products.
Thanks to the commitment of Bonnie and Ross and thier crew,
along with the help of our former United Church minister,
Minnedosa and area is offering EVERYONE
an opportunity to help change the world,
one fresh cup of coffee at a time !!!

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Saturday Morning in Minnedosa ...

There's loads of Free parking ...
... unfortunately that only means most of the residents
of Minnedosa are off shopping in Brandon.
When will our Town Fathers realize that the
ONLY WAY TO SAVE THIS TOWN
is by promoting the wonderful businesses
WE ALREADY HAVE
rather than foolishly courting multi-national chains.
Chipperfield Coffee Company,
Sun Sun Chinese Restaurant,
Garden Thyme,
Main Street Cafe,
the Ski Hill,
even The Minnedosa Dollar Store,
are ALL businesses worth hyping beyond our faire town.
-
Yet, the Chamber and the Economic Development Officer
seem hell bent on seeking out competition for
established businesses that are already struggling to survive.
Can ANYONE tell me how THAT makes sense???
-
Shop local is a start ...
promoting LOCAL is essential.
Maybe one day our Town Fathers will stay in town long enough
to finally listen to the voices of those who actually support
the town of Minnedosa and want to see it survive.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Two Years Later ... Still waiting ...

" The New Church Building
will rise only when the Spirit wills it to be ..."
So said an observant and faithful friend two years ago.
Too bad the egos of some have tried to
direct the works of the spirit ...
... the vacant lot serves as a reminder of that folly.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Two Years ago today it looked like this:


It's a hard anniversary to mark,
but it was two years ago today that we awoke to the realization
that one of Minnedosa's Oldest Buildings was nothing more
than a basement filled with scorched and shattered debris.
And now, two years later the woundedness that tore at the heart
of our community has only deepened.
The vacant lot on Main St sits today like many hearts:
cold and empty !!
(thanks to Rev. Shawn's Blog for the pictures
and for having tried to lead a hardhearted people
back to wholeness ... guess we know what THEY want instead)

Monday, February 11, 2008

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Blizzard Gifts

Snow Drifts,
light and shadow,
around every corner is a lingering work of art.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Under a Winter Sky ...

A village within a village ...
The Heritage Village brings together a collection of
buildings that reflects the history and heritage
of the Minnedosa area.
Lovingly restored and maintained by
volunteers, in the winter they lie quietly waiting
for the coming of spring, and this year
for the Homecoming Celebrations.

Friday, February 1, 2008