Valleyview Town & Country

08/09/2021

Dear Uncle Buck
Summer seems to have come and is already on it’s way out. This year I hear so many people saying they didn’t have enough time to get everything done, let alone find some quality down time. It seems since the COVID restrictions have lifted, I myself feel like I have not used my summer days to the best of my ability and yet have been going non stop. I’m hauling the kids to camp, to sports, to their friend’s place and now we are shopping for school supplies and clothing. I’ve been on one camping trip and even that seemed rushed. Now soon it’s back to school for the kids and back to work for me and the wife. What the heck happened to society that we think we have to go full speed ahead to make it all happen and to make ends meet? I’m worn out and even though I dread the long cold winter months ahead I’m looking forward to a reprieve from the craziness and the heat! When does life begin slowing down? I thought by the time I reach this mature age I’d be enjoying some down time.
Signed 2 speeds/ Fast & faster

Howdy Fast
Hang on the ride’s not over yet! You didn’t really give up your age but I suspect lately it doesn’t matter what age one is, society seems to be going forward at an alarming rate once again.
We are constantly bombarded with buy it now, travel farther, faster, build it in minutes or find what you desire immediately.
One can connect with the world in milliseconds on all those new gadgets and devices. I’m a die hard believer in leavin’ all those gadgets behind for a time out every once in a while. Those cell phones keep us connected but they also intrude on our downtime.
Also many of those fine homes with the huge green lawns that stretch for what seem like miles, keep folks pretty busy just cuttin’ the grass.(If it hasn’t died from the heat wave we lived through these past weeks).
As for the stuff we have accumulated, it always needs maintainin’ and we have to have two or more jobs to rake in the dough to buy more new stuff and pay all them bills.
You are not the only one in this particular boat feelin’ like your tryin’ to paddle upstream….
wait a minute why don’t you try that next year!? Find a crick or river, get hold of a boat, some friends and just chuck all your gadgets and worries overboard and go campin’… get away from it all.
Mayhap start plannin’ and sipherin a schedule for your summer chores etc. and maybe get the kids involved in your adventure. Probably wouldn’t hurt them none to take some time off sports to go on a family trip. Just get away from it all and enjoy the excursion. There’s nothin’ I find better for a harried soul than spendin’ time in the great outdoors with a few good chums.
Why don’t you take a look at this summer and figure out what you’d like to do different and work on a plan for next year. It will give you something to look forward to on those long winter months ahead.
Take a deep breath, slow down and plan ahead, and smell the fish fryin’ up in the pan.
Until next time Happy Trails.

08/09/2021

JUST A THOUGHT
By Addy Oberlin

Another holiday is coming up. In Manitoba we remember Terry Fox who 40 years ago started a research program for cancer. Terry did not live long enough to see the result of his endeavor.

What are you going to do with this special day off? Add it on to the holiday that you have planned already. Maybe spend an extra day at the lake, or ….. just stay home and be lazy?

Is it possible to be at home and be content and at peace in whatever situation we are in and accept God’s love which is unconditional? Some have to leave home because of the fires. Remember them in prayer. I have family in BC who have been living out of a suitcase the last 10 days, because they are close to the wild fires and on evacuation alert.

Paul was in need and he knew what it was like to have plenty. He tells us in Philippians 4:12 “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” .

We live in trying times, but we can be content and have peace, because God is near and will give us strength.

06/29/2021

JUST A THOUGHT
By Addy Oberlin

Canada …... is my home land, not born here, but a citizen who loves this country.

Canada …... opened the doors for refugees who escaped their war torn country and found freedom here and Canada became their home.

Canada …... sent the army to free this little country by the sea from the oppressor. They fought for the freedom of other countries. They stand on guard for the freedom of others.

Canada …... gives us freedom to worship without restriction. We do not have to go in hiding because of our faith.

Canada …... showed us as new emigrants the endless beauty of this land when we spent 4 ½ days on the train from Montreal to Vancouver. There are beautiful lakes, lush meadows, the endless horizon on the prairies with the gorgeous sunsets, the forests and then the majestic mountain peaks with the precious valleys.

Oh God, keep our land glorious and free.

When we celebrate Canada Day let us remember the freedom we have and be thankful to God we live in a country called Canada and we stand on guard for thee.

Happy Canada Day.

05/30/2021

Hey there Buckaroonie
I’m just a good old guy from the wrong side of the tracks you might say. I grew up in an alcoholic home and my dad left us at a young age. I was the oldest boy of four kids and kind of stepped into my father’s shoes, from the age of six. Mom really needed someone to take charge in her life cause after dad left she just kind of fell to pieces and began hitting the bottle herself. She had a long string of men in her life, but none of them were husband or father material and some of them were abusive. I tried to shield her and my brother and sisters from the chaos but at times it got pretty raunchy around our home. It was a very depressing way to grow up. A couple of my siblings turned to alcohol when they grew into adults and struggle with it today. I and my one sister never touched the stuff. They all married and a couple have divorced, but I became a loner and have thrown myself into work and it takes me places. You see I travel frequently in and out of the country. I have a great life and I’ve met lots of very nice ladies but none I would want to settle down with. You see I think I somehow might be sabotaging the relationships whenever they get too serious for me. I am also beginning to wonder if it could have anything to do with my upbringing? If so How the h… do I get past it? I certainly don’t want to break anyone’s heart like my dad did when he walked out on my mother. After all I’m not getting any younger and would like to settle down eventually and maybe have a couple of kids.
Signed: not a heart breaker

Hello there NHB
Sounds like you had an interestin’ upbringin.’ Any time moonshine is involved in relationships it can get pretty messy for everyone! There is usually some fallout as well, leavin’ all a bit shell shocked from the after effects. Sounds like you had to step up to the plate and be responsible for the home life at a tender footed age. I’m of a mind that kids need to be kids and play so’s they learn how not to take grown up life way too seriously. Good on you that you didn’t imbibe in the spirits and per-sued a healthy life style, although I hear that you think your past may have affected you somewhat and I’m sure it probably did. Sounds like you are ready to make a change in your life and can’t see your way into doin’ that, as you have no blueprint to the kind of life you would like to have. There are numerous men’s sharing groups that will support you on this new journey and help you understand and lay to rest past experiences and behaviors. I myself go on sabbaticals into the wilds and experience nature, fishing, hunting or settin’ my traps when I’m confused about life. It’s always been my go to when I’m strugglin’ with them pesky inside issues.
Parents just don’t seem to understand how their behavior affects the children that God has given into their care. Thus we adults seem to be walkin’ around with unresolved childhood issues and no tools to figgerin’ out how to shake the monkey off our back, or change the program of our life.
Thanks to modern day honesty, we now have the ok to say it like it is and there are even programs, groups and counselors to guide us to a healthier way of livin.
My friend it sounds like you are ready to tap into one of these avenues in order to harness a lassy and rear some little tikes. Good on you for not just jumpin’ into the swamp and drownin’ pulling everyone down with you! Take your time, mayhap make some male friendships who have healthy relationships, seek out healthy information, be it books, groups or individual counsel. Chances are this will be an ongoin’ learnin’ experience even when you enter the relationship you are hankerin’ for. So hoist the sails and learn how to steer the riggin’ and you won’t always have smooth sailin’ but you will be equipped to maneuver the choppy waters and high tides without drownin’ or capsizing’ the vessel.
Until next time Happy Trails!

05/30/2021

JUST A THOUGHT
By Addy Oberlin

Would you believe it that I missed to write anything about Victoria weekend? The month of May just seems to be flying by and in another week it is June. I look at some of my bills and the due date is June. The weather has be very unpredictable. I even read that it was 28 C. in Winnipeg, while Churchill got a pile of snow. We got here where I live 2 days of rain and the farmers are very thankful. Nature seems to come to spring fullness. The grass is lush and green and the trees are filled with leaves. My girls put my little piece of garden in, but last night I had to take all the pots off the deck because of the threat of frost.

God is good. He has it all lined up for us so that our needs will be met. Sunshine in time, rain in time. We just have to humble ourselves and give Him the glory because God is in control and we have nothing to worry about. Yes, “His grace is sufficient for you” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

05/11/2021

Just wanted to shout out a "you shine girl!"
to my daughter Christine Landry who has started her own venture, a new store online & in Valleyview. The store's name is Glitz'd new & used Boutique, Markets & Events. It's open from Mon. to Thurs from 10am - 7pm & Fri. & Sat. 10am to 8pm. Featured in store is everything from high end apparel, to used clothing, furniture and household items. Drop in and check it out at 4505- Highway Street Valleyview (formerly Gary Boman's Autobody shop), check out the total transformation of these digs! It is amazing!
May 8 & 9 were the first Public Market dates and if you missed it don't worry there are weekly Markets coming up all summer long! Next Markets are held:
May,
Wed. 12 & 14 and Fri. 14
Wed. 19 & Fri. 21
Wed. 26 & Fri. 28
Come on out and shop locally and also support our home based businesses and entrepreneurs. See you there!
Oh.... and grads don't forget to check out the grad dress program!
There's a wedding dress program in the works as well
Christine is taking donations for new & used clothing and providing an in store discount card for these supporters.
The first ever Glitz'd Ladies Jewels & Jiggs Fishing Extravaganza was held in March of 2021 at Swan Lake. Check out the video on our FB page. Be sure to come out & join us in 2022 for the next one!
Keep your eyes on this girl she's always Glitzn' up new ideas and putting a sparkle back into our Valleyview community!
Follow and shop her online page.
Let's see what she's cooking up next.....

05/08/2021

Dearest Uncle Buck
You are an amazing man, thank you for sharing your down to earth wisdom with us readers. Your column has provided me with laughter, tears, insight and sometimes indepth soul searching. Anyway just wanted to tell you I am an amazing person also….you see I’m a mom. Sometimes I don’t feel so amazing or sure of myself as there is no blueprint for what I do, there is only flying by the seat of my pants with lots of love and patience sprinkled in. I think we have something in common that we care for people and are willing to share what we know from our experiences and mistakes in hopes that another will glean something valuable from it all. I sometimes feel that my children and husband don’t really appreciate that part of me and wish I’d just put a lid on it, but I’m sort of a stubborn cuss of a woman and hold dear to being authentic about who I am and how I feel. There have been many times I’ve sat and cried and many times I been deathly afraid for my kids safety and still other times I’ve felt so much pride and joy for my children my heart could barely contain it all! Bottom line is I’m a mom and that’s the designation the good Lord gave me so I’ve done the best I could with what I have. I found this story and was wondering if you would share it with your readers as it has touched my heart.
A Mother’s Tears
“Why are you crying?” he asked his mom
“Because I’m a mother.” she told him
“I don’t understand,” he said
His mom just hugged him and said,”You will someday.”
Later the little boy asked his dad why mom’s cry for no reason.
“All moms cry for no reason,” was all his dad could tell him
The little boy grew up still wondering why moms cry
So he finally put in a call to God and when God got on the line
He asked ,”God why do moms cry so easily?”
God said,”You see my son, when I made mothers they had to be special…..I made their shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.
I gave them inner strength to endure childbirth and rejection from their children.
I gave them a hardiness that allows them to keep going even when everyone else gives up
and to take care of their families through sickness and fatigue without complaining.
I gave them the sensitivity to love their children under all circumstances, even when their
children have hurt them very badly. This same sensitivity helps them share a teenager’s anxiety and fears. I gave them a tear to shed. It’s theirs exclusively - to use whenever needed.
It’s their only weakness.
It’s a tear for mankind.”
Well folks there you have it straight from a mom’s heart!
Until next time happy trails and happy Mothers Day to one and all

04/30/2021

To the world you are a mother, but to your family you are the world! Happy Mother's Day to my mom & all my girls!

04/30/2021

Submitted by Ken Noskye writer from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation
Honoring moms… a tradition for SLCN
This heartfelt tribute was penned by Ken in May of 2019 in the
Valleyview Town & Country Newspaper

Overlooking the banks of beautiful Sturgeon Lake is a cemetery. This is the final resting place for the family, friends and neighbors of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. Every Mother’s Day there’s a tradition that takes place for many people of the community. Throughout the day and into the evening people gather at the cemetery to be with the mothers they lost.
Some family members will bring food for a picnic - always making sure they bring an extra plate for the departed. Other family members will bring a guitar and sing a favorite song of a mother whose grave they sit beside. Some will bring a hand-drum to sing a traditional song. Other family members will sit quietly around a grave and gently clean the site.
Mother’s Day is when people come to clean and re-plant flowers for the moms they lost. There’s one family that comes every year with photographs of the mother. The father, who lost his wife to cancer in her mid-30s, once told me he does not want his children to ever forget their mother and how much she loved them. They not only come to visit on Mother’s Day but also on the birthdays of her children.
Sometimes an eagle will fly over the cemetery. The final resting site is situated on the high banks of the South side of the lake.
Thanks to Peter Kiyawasew family and others the site is picturesque. I have attended funerals in other first nation reserves and it would sadden anyone because the graveyards aren't even visible because they aren't maintained. Cleaning the sites, planting flowers and just being there shows how much respect and love the people of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation have for their mothers.
The SLCN community have lost too many mothers, grandmothers, daughters and sisters since last Mother’s Day. But as that eagle flies into the fading sunset the spirit of those women will inspire and encourage the community to stay strong and stick together. Never forget those who rest there, high on the banks of the Lake they used to swim in, are still part of the pride of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation.

04/30/2021

04/30/2021

May 9 Happy Mom's Day to all the Ladies!