The RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook for 2011 was released last week. Across the country, it predicts a stable market, with a few more sales and slight price increases. Nelson is not one of the markets that are specifically highlighted, but the trend is encouraging. If you would like to read the full report, click here.
Parents' Night Before ChristmasThe REAL Night Before Christmas
(By Parents)
'Twas the night before Christmas
when all through the house
I searched for the tools
to hand to my spouse
Instructions were studied
and we were inspired,
in hopes we could manage
"Some Assembly Required."
The children were quiet (not asleep) in their beds,
while Dad and I faced the evening with dread:
a kitchen, two bikes, Barbie's townhouse to boot!
And now, thanks to Grandpa, a train with a toot!
We opened the boxes,
my heart skipped a beat -
let no parts be missing
or parts incomplete!
Too late for last-minute returns or replacement;
if we can't get it right, it goes straight to the basement!
When what to my worrying eyes should appear
but 50 sheets of directions, concise, but not clear,
With each part numbered and every slot named,
so if we failed, only we could be blamed.
More rapid than eagles the parts then fell out,
all over the carpet they were scattered about.
"Now bolt it! Now twist it! Attach it right there!
Slide on the seats, and staple the stair!
Hammer the shelves, and nail to the stand."
"Honey," said hubby, "you just glued my hand."
And then in a twinkling, I knew for a fact
that all the toy dealers had indeed made a pact
to keep parents busy all Christmas Eve night
with "assembly required" till morning's first light.
We spoke not a word, but kept bent at our work,
till our eyes, they went blurry; our fingers all hurt.
The coffee went cold and the night, it wore thin
before we attached the last rod and last pin.
Then laying the tools away in the chest,
we fell into bed for a well-deserved rest.
But I said to my husband just before I passed out,
"This will be the best Christmas, without any doubt.
Tomorrow we'll cheer, let the holiday ring,
and not run to the store for one single thing!
We did it! We did it! The toys are all set
for the perfect, most magical, Christmas, I bet!"
Then off to dreamland and sweet repose
I gratefully went, though I suppose
there's something to say for those self-deluded-
I'd forgotten that BATTERIES are never included!
*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
Nelson's Civic Arena celebrated its 75th birthday at the end of November. It was built in the midst of the great depression and was the result of visionary thinking by the city fathers of that day (I don't think there were any female civic leaders in 1935, but I haven't checked the wall at Nelson City Hall to see when the first was elected). It was noted that this was the finest arena anywhere between Vancouver and Winnipeg when it was new. Although we have the new arena now being spotlighted in our community, the old rink is still there and still being used regularly. It would be a huge undertaking to remove it, so it will likely be part of our history for many more years. Here's a link to a couple of articles that have appeared in the Nelson Star: Civic Centre Turns 75 and The Night Satchmo Came to Town.
34 years ago December 18 was a Saturday, too. It was our last winter in Nanaimo, though we didn't know it at the time. I was at work at the credit union about 2 in the afternoon, when Dorothy phoned me and asked if I could come home. (Please note: I never claimed to be the brightest guy on the planet!) I told her that I got off at 3 and did she want me to leave early. She said "yes" and (remember the previously italicized phase?) I asked "why?" Now, we were expecting our 2nd child at this time, and her due date was December 16. However, our first child had been 3 weeks late, and I just wasn't expecting this call at this time! Once I got the message that she was in labour, I got into gear pretty quickly. We had already made arrangements for our daughter, Yvonne, to be cared for when we went to the hospital, but when we phoned those people, we found that they had gone to Victoria for the day, so we had to scramble to find someone else. It was a little after 4 p.m. when we got to the hospital and the receptionist asked how far apart the contractions were. When we told her about 3 minutes, she said we could do the paperwork after we got Dorothy settled into a bed! By 6:15 our son, David, was born. The timing was very good, because the doctor was supposed to be the master of ceremonies at a Christmas banquet at church that evening, so he was able to be there on time. After holding my son for the first time and getting Dorothy settled (she soon was ready for a nap) I decided that I'd better get some dinner, so I went down to the Credit Union's office party where I was (surprise, surprise) warmly greeted, and enjoyed a sumptuous feast. I am not going to post a baby picture of David (he might be embarrassed) but I will refer you back to July's blog newsletter for photos of his wedding to Sara. So, our son was sent home from hospital a few days later and we traveled that same day on the B.C. Ferries to Vancouver to spend Christmas at Dorothy's parent's home, and introduce David (that wasn't always his name, but that's what he prefers) to his Grandma and Grandpa and to the rest of the family. There's no doubt that this will always be one of my favourite Christmas memories. Happy Birthday, Dave!
Another month, and another year have passed. Lots of events in our world, our community and our own lives have occurred. We'll take time to reflect on the past year and to celebrate this beautiful season (I expect to have new family photos next month, as they are all planning to be home with us this year) as well as make plans for the future.If buying or selling a home is in your future, I hope you'll let us assist you.
Here's one more link to a song that I hadn't heard before this year, but it seems to have "gone viral" on YouTube, Facebook and other social media sites: "Where's The Line To See Jesus"
Thanks for reading, and thanks to all who have contributed throughout the year with links, articles, jokes and stories!
Merry Christmas to you!
Lorne & Drew
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