Work is currently being done around the property, repairs to and painting of the fence. I am happy to see this being done as it does help the property appear to be well looked after. Next is the arborist who will address the many trees around the property that need attention.

I’m enjoying being on the condo board and bringing some attention to matters beyond the usual business. I’ve introduced a few new matters to our meetings and recently suggested, and it was well received, that we begin to hive off some funds for investment in vehicles that will provide us a greater return than the current savings account it currently sits in earning a meager 1.8%. We are not a big operation, but it does not mean we cannot work smarter.

One of our neighbours, a lovely man of the name Merlin lost his brother last week. There were four brothers and now the first is gone. Merlin reflected on the fact that it signals how much time has passed and how they are all getting to be elderly.

Merlin mentioned that he had written several poems down through the years and I asked if I might see them. Today he brought me a lovely spiraled bound book containing the poems. I’ve asked him if I might share them, and he has agreed. I will share one here and then others as time progresses.

Merlin was a teacher but grew up on the farm. He speaks often of his grandfather and it is clear that they are a close family and they have worked hard in coming from Sweden to Alberta and settling here to build and operate a farm. He has a deep faith and while a very big man, clearly has been a very strong individual, is kind and gentle.

I love this poem of his…

A Brother

As August comes to it’s last week and with it a sense that summer too is near it’s end, the apples are coming off the tree. I think they are smaller this year from our rather cool May and June. Even our tomatoes are late in ripening.

And lastly, if you will bear the repetition, we continue to be amazed that we have found ourselves in this lovely community. We are close to Phil, Amanda, and those precious grandchildren. We are so very blessed. So very blessed. I do not mean that we have loads of money, though we are fine financially. Nor do I mean we have no health issues, though I am glad we do not at this time. What I mean is that we have what we need, we have peaceful lives that give us the opportunity to help others and serve our community and our neighbours.

I continue to hear the words of Paul talking about the life of Jesus as “one who went about doing good”. That’s really what I want these days to be about.

I hope you have opportunity to do good today too.