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.

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.

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 ...

All in a Row ...

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!!

On Duty ...

A Slippery Sunday Afternoon ...

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 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.

Courthouse

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.

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)

Take Your Pick ... Pleasure in every cup

Too Cold To Sled

Blizzard Gifts

Snow Drifts,

light and shadow,

around every corner is a lingering work of art.

Bundled up in the cold

Light and Shadows at Play ...

Cloud Makers

Waiting to be filled