A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE WRITER’S STRUGGLE WITH STRESS AND DEPRESSION

It may not be a surprise to the Reader, that I am a normal human being that is just as challenged with Stress and Depression as many others that may even include you.

So I have been searching for positive solutions to me dilemma and I noticed this book advertised by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA, entitled “STRESS-FREE Living”.
Marilyn and I had been to the Mayo Clinic several years back and so we were on the Mayo Clinic email list that kept us abreast of what was available and updates on various treatments for the many maladies that can affect us humans.

We ordered the book and after reading it, I am recommending the reading to Marilyn and whoever else may struggle with this type of problem in their life.

I will make some quotations which I am doing for my personal use as quick reference to get me on track again. If you find it useful, feel free to contact the Mayo Clinic directly or request more information from me. I really feel much greatly enlightened after a three week journey with Dr Amit Sood, MD., MSc. and his bevy of professionals that assisted him in preparation of this book.
All quotations will be in italics:

Preface xiii “……..Stress is the struggle with what is. A mind that doesn’t have what it wants or doesn’t want what it has experiences stress. Saddled with hundreds of
“open files” in the mind, we spend half our day physically here but mentally elsewhere. We get so caught up weeding the yard that we completely miss the tulips that nature gives us for precious weeks. We postpone joy………….”

Page 63 “…….A 7-Point Program for Increasing Energy
1. Eat healthy, nourishing food
2. Sleep seven to eight hours a day
3. Keep company with good people
4. Avoid news overdose
5. Follow an exercise routine
6. Do something meaningful each day
7. Think good thoughts for others
Each of these steps, individually and together, will increase your energy…….”

Page 70 “…….Every day, serve yourself some fresh air, brewed moments ago by the trees that surround you……”

Page 81 “…..When you see someone, before any thought or judgement wells up, remember that there’s a 50 percent chance that the person is in the default mode at that moment, likely tackling some person struggle. With this understanding, as a first reflex, align your heart and eye, and send a silent intention: I wish you well. Remember CALF:
• Compassion is the understanding that everyone is fighting some battle
• Acceptance delays negative judgement, giving others room to breathe and permission to be different
• Love helps you picture others in the circle of people who love them; you can place yourself ion that circle to the extent you feel comfortable
• Forgiveness guides you to move beyond the minor inconvenience others may have caused you
Kind attention is a two-way flow of energy…………”

page 83 “…..Kindness gifted is Kindness received….”

Page 84 “….Kindness is infectious….”

Page 101 “……Gratitude is an outer expression of inner humility….”

Page 117 “…..Use gratitude to harness your hurts
Think about a painful event in your life. Then ask yourself these questions:
• Did this experience help me grow?
• Did it prevent something worse?
• Can I be grateful that the pain came to me and not my kids?
• Am I a better or kinder person because of experiencing adversity?
• Can I be grateful that I had the resources to deal with it?
• Am I connected to some people because of this?
We often confuse good and pleasant. Not , not everything pleasant is good. Likewise not everything unpleasant is bad. Find meaning in the unpleasant and be grateful for that meaning. You can learn important lessons from the hurts you experience………”

Page 131 “…….Anger treated with anger is a moment to forget; anger treated with compassion is a moment of progress……..”

Page 141 “……When you perceive a threat, ask yourself if your fear stems from inner security or outer reality. Is this fear a holdover from childhold? One way to decrease threat perceptions is to use your kind attention training. Silently wish others well or offer a two-second prayer for them. With time, kind attention will change the tint of the lenses through which you view the world…..”

Page 157 “…..Part of your unhappiness comes from living in an imperfect world. But the greater part comes from the desire to control and change others and the frustration at your inability to do so. The more you try to change people, the greater your assault on their egos and the more stubborn they’ll become. The one person who (might) listen to you and be willing to change is you. Trying to change others is an insurmountable task, like trying to paint a moving cloud; the paint won’t stick.
The key to changing people is with them, not you. Only they can change, once they are willing. They will be more willing if they feel good about themselves. They’ll also listen if they perceive your unconditional warmth. How can you enhance self-esteem and some your warmth? Accept them as they are…….”

Page 211 “……All these statements describing forgiveness are true:
• Forgiveness is your gift to others
• Forgiveness is your choice
• The forgiven are often undeserving of your kindness
• In forgiving, you don’t intend to forget the wrong
• In forgiving, you don’t intend to deny the wrong
• In forgiving, you don’t justify the wrong
• Your forgiveness doesn’t allow people to get away with or repeat the misconduct
• You can stop the process of forgiveness if you become uncomfortable with it……..”

Page 217 “…….Don’t let a moment of anger destroy a lifetime of love…..”

page 247 “…..Waiting for others to send you positive energy will put you at the end of a very long line……….”

Page 251 “……Let go the satisfaction of being proved right if being right risks losing a loving relationship….”

Page 263 “……Research also shows the benefit of relaxation programs—–particularly meditation—-for improving symptoms of many health conditions including:
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Chronic pain
• Depression
• Fibromyalgia
• Heart Disease
• Insomnia
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Psoriasis
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Tension headaches
Meditation has also shown to improve memory and concentration, adherence to exercise programs, weight loss, risk of falls, and musical performances. Some astronauts, golfers, swimmers and athletes practice meditation and other relaxation programs have now become part of ordinary life……”

Page 282 “…….Your mind can be your prison or your wings. When you spend your days quenching its satiable thirst in its wandering default mode, your mind becomes your prison. The alternative is to suffuse your mind to the highest principles so it contemplates the divine. The mind then becomes your wings and takes you higher than you could have thought………..”

I want to thank Dr Amit Sood and all those who assisted him in the preparation of this book. You have provided me with the tools to live the rest of my live in a much better way as I will exercise using these tools to advance my perspective on all that is around me in a much better light.

Elmer Verigin
Written October 27, 2014

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE WITH KEN HOOD
(Deceased September 30, 2014)
We take for granted that the Sun is a constant. We accept that it will rise in the morning and set in the evening at times that vary with the seasons. We always look forward to a beautiful day but accept that we may have clouds, storms, warmth and cold that ‘s not cyclic but follows influences that we have yet to thoroughly understand.
So it is when a new soul comes to Earth. We welcome that soul and our expectations are that it will be harbored within a body that will enjoy good health, character and live in peace with itself, firstly, and secondly with all living beings that encountered during its life here on Earth.
All that I have just said is what we accept as common place.
Like the seasons and their effect on how the day will be, it is so with people. That is why it is so interesting to be alive so that we can experience the differences in each other. Nobody is exactly the same as the other.
Marilyn and I noticed that difference in Ken and Elaine when they first came to build their bungalow at Grandview. There was this genuine aura that we soon became accustomed to and enjoy for all the time they lived across the street as our neighbors.
I had the good fortune to act as a Project Manager for Grandview and reported to Ken as President representing the Board of Directors.
I soon learned that Ken believed in the supreme dignity of mankind. Like the Sun which is always above the clouds, Ken knew that within every person there is goodness no matter how much it was disguised by negativity. No matter how much stress was imparted by a member directed at the organization or the directorship, Ken never reacted in a negative fashion but patiently dealt to dissipate the situation into the best possible solution.
Ken reminded me of my years in the Rotary Club where the universal ideals and mottoes go something like this:
• “We come to this world and rent a space. Let us check periodically if our rent is paid”
• “Service above self”
• “One profits most who serves best”
• “The 4 Way Test:
o Is it the Truth?
o Is it fair to all concerned?
o Will it build Goodwill and better Fellowships?
o Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”
The above reasons are why I was a Rotarian for over continuous 35 years.
When I think of Ken Hood, I see all of those objectives that Rotary has was entirely the way he lived his life as a Christian. I say all this without any reservation, that if Ken had chosen, he would have made a model Rotarian.
Ken did not have to join Rotary because he already knew all that I had said and was an example in his community that will be a hard act to follow.
Ken knew he had a difficult challenge with Cancer and would soon start treatments. He was advised he must conserve his physical and mental strength to assist in recovery. After a brief discussion with him one day, he then excused himself as he had to go to Robson. Later in discussion, I asked him what he was doing n Robson and this was the exchange:
“there were some trenches at the church that needed backfilling that were left open far too long so I decided that I better do that now”
” were you not advised that is exactly what you must not do by your Doctor?”, I was surprised.
“Yes that is true”, he slowly responded “but I could not be settled knowing that that job was left undone”
There were times that some Coop members were very frustrated with the challenges that the Cooperative was facing and would speak out negatively. Ken would not hesitate to meet these people one on one and rationalize with them. He believed that everyone had a right to an opinion but needed to know the facts. This is the type of respect that Ken earned and never needed to command as President.
Ken never stopped his volunteering and at Grandview participated on the Strata Council, the Garden Club and attended most of the Committee Meetings as an ex-officio member.
At another time, my position as Project Manager was being challenged by a member because he was not satisfied with the way nature was reinstating itself over the right of way used by the Cooperative through his property and demanded action right away. It was difficult in a circumstances like this to organize a volunteer group of members to do raking and seeding. Ken just said to me, I will help you and there we were with rakes and shovels trying to pacify a member that had taken his complaint to an unreasonable level.
Then there was the lighter side of Ken as I noted him walking around at Grandview with a large back pack for days on end. So I asked him what was going on. He explained that every year his family gets together and goes out to nature in the rugged East Kootenays.
“I am just preparing my body for the hiking that we are going to do.” Then the truck would be loaded to the top of the racks and off they would go.
“I thought maybe you were going to a boot camps” I quipped.
“No, just love with my family” he smiled.
I chatted with Ken a few weeks ago and asked him how he was. His answer was very profound “I am still alive and in the hands of God.”
There was no complaint of pain nor his suffering but a calm resolve of acceptance of Gods Will..
If I have suggested to you that Ken was of an exceptional character and individualality than I have achieved my objective of expressing my deepest respect for my neighbor Ken Hood.
Elmer Verigin, October 11, 2014

Hi

The propaganda campaign by climate doomsayers continues unabated in spite of the fact that global warming stopped more than 17 years ago. In fact, we are now experiencing a naturally-occurring cooling cycle.

During the past year, David Suzuki’s columns have been appearing in our local newspaper at least once per month together with a similar number of articles/letters by other victims of the global-warming/climate-change hoax. Only a few articles were written by climate realists.

Suzuki’s August rant prompted me to reply as follows.

Best regards,

Thorpe

Trail Times  Tuesday, August 12, 2014

CLIMATE DOOMSAYERS ARE GETTING DESPERATE

Contrary to the claim made by David Suzuki (Trail Times, 8 August 2014 – Copied below), it is the climate doomsayers that are getting desperate, primarily because nature refuses to co-operate with their catastrophic, CO₂-induced, global-warming narrative. Suzuki’s nonsensical diatribe is obviously inconsistent with the scientific method. So is his endorsement of the BBC policy to suppress scientific debate.

It appears that David Suzuki is still living in the mythical, computer world of discredited climate models. Consequently, he continues to deny reality and demonize carbon dioxide (“CO₂”).

While appearing on a recent Australian Broadcasting Company’s TV program, Suzuki  learned, apparently for the first time, that global warming stopped more than 17 years ago. Astonishingly, Suzuki freely admitted that he was completely unfamiliar with the 4 agencies responsible for collecting and publishing the world’s temperature data used by the UN.

The chief scientist of one of these agencies (Professor Phil Jones of the UK’s CRU) testified in 2010 before a Parliamentary Select Committee that global warming had stopped in 1995. His testimony related to the 2009 Climategate scandal.

Unfortunately, the CO₂ content of our atmosphere has been seriously depleted by natural processes to such an extent that we can never hope to restore the highly-desirable levels of CO₂ found in ancient atmospheres. The dinosaurs enjoyed an atmosphere containing 5 times the current CO₂ level. Our reserves of oil and gas would have to be 30 times larger to even double the CO₂ content of our CO₂-impoverished atmosphere.

It seems that David Suzuki should be reminded of a fundamental biological fact; that is, CO₂ is essential to sustain plant and animal life on this planet. Regretfully, CO₂ does not give us the means to control our ever-changing climate. With 4 major climate cycles, the planet’s climate has been changing since the beginning of its existence.

Global cooling has always been, and will continue to be, the greatest climate threat to civilizations. We must learn to adapt or perish.

Thorpe Watson, PhD

Warfield

David Suzuki: Climate change deniers are getting desperate

by David Suzuki on Aug 5, 2014 at 2:47 pm

http://www.straight.com/news/700351/david-suzuki-climate-change-deniers-are-getting-desperate

This same article was published in the Trail Times on August 8, 2014.

TRIBUTE TO PHIL NOVOKSHONOFF
June 29, 2014
When I offer words in commemoration of someone’s passing, I do so from my personal perspective and knowledge of that person.
I had met Phil on the Talarico Wing construction, back in 1991 while he was installing the fire sprinkler system. I had earlier known his father Joe, who was a Director of the Doukhobor Benevolent Society while building Parkside Villa in Grand Forks as well as members of his family at various Doukhobor functions. I found it was easy to talk to Phil and that first meeting seemed like it started a relationship that now I wish to high light.
It appeareded that Phil had an interest in what the Doukhobor Cultural Association was doing as he would take his father, Joe, to the Doukhobor Sports Days and so when he heard that we were starting the development at Whatshan he approached me during a Talent Night Kootenay Choir performance in Grand Forks and offered his assistance should we require anything Mechanical. The Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999 had many capable volunteers but the Building Inspector required that all Plumbing must be installed by a Journeyman Plumber in order to meet the requirements of the Building and Plumbing Codes. In due course, I made the call to Phil which went something like this.
After briefly outlining the scope of the Retreat Building, Phil asked the question, “Well what would you like me to do?”
Of course I took this opportunity to present my wish list:
• “Well pump and related piping
• Water line from well to Retreat Building
• Power hookup for well
• Pressure tanks
• Septic tank pump to 2,500 foot field
• Showers piping
• Kitchen stove
• Stove propane piping”
There was absolutely no hesitation in his response, “that is no problem. I will charge the equipment at cost and my hired Trades people labor at cost. My time and equipment will all be donated. We just need to find a suitable time slot when to do it. I will research the well Suppliers as well as the other equipment”
I was shocked at this as it was a tough job building something in the hinterland away from normal supply houses and equipment with volunteer help, donated materials and no sure source of funding.
Phil called and said that he would arrive on site on this appointed date. It was a sight to see as a large truck, pickups and a crew of men arrived and began work just as if they had all been there before. A derrick attachment was set up on the back of a flat deck and the process of lowering the pump along with steel piping and electrical wiring began, Work inside the building was also taking place. All continued until complete within three (3) days and the water system was operational.
What a significant boost to the morale of the Volunteers who now did not have to haul water in water jugs from Castlegar.
Phil looked at the kitchen stove that we wanted to convert from natural gas to propane and shook his head. “Elmer it would be a waste of time as this stove is better off in the dump”, he consulted.
“If you can spare $5,000 I will get you a reconditioned unit that will be shop tested. I will bring it from Spokane and then make all the propane connections”, he added.
This came to pass and he called me to see if I could pick it up at his shop and transport it to Whatshan. Of course I agreed but alas, I was unable to find a suitable truck and a willing person to make the delivery. So I advised Marilyn that we would detour via Grand Forks and just pop in at Mainstream Mechanical to pick up the stove on “Silver” my little Ford pickup.
I had no idea where Mainstream was located in the first instance and absolutely no concept of the size and weight of the steel stove and besides this would be on a shortcut over the summit that would take me past Edgewood.
So Peter and his brothers were given the task to help me load this stove which was a simple transfer from their flat deck to Silver. I didn’t blink an eye when I saw that this was like hauling an elephant on a child’s wagon. The boys in their stead were very business-like as we all labored with this challenge. When the stove finally settled in on the box, Silver immediately raised his hood desperately trying to stay with all four wheels on the ground.
I think it was Peter who offered the first comment “pretty heavy load, eh?”
I nonchalantly countered with “Silver is used to all this work”, trying to show my confidence which was blocked by a choking tongue.
“How do I get over the hill?” was my parting comment.
“Oh, so you were never on that road?” all the boys were now curious as they contributed to the directions.
As I got into Silver, Marilyn was looking for assurance with “so you know where you have to go?”
“No problem” and we lurched slowly into motion.
On the flat stretch, it was just a chore to keep Silver running straight as every curve swayed him from one side to the other. When I started climbing the mountain, though, it was difficult to see over the hood which was now higher still. This was certainly a potential good ad for Ford as Silver groaned his way up the summit while I looked for signs that would tell me I was taking the correct fork.
Suddenly I realized we had crested as Silver started to pick up speed and I geared right down to first and thought of what I was going to do if the gears failed. I want to remind you that even going downhill, Silver’s hood was still raised. Marilyn had already turned green and was no support whatsoever. Then I recalled my mother’s hopeless effort to teach me Pasallmee which I never did master. Let me assure you that I recited all six of them three times on my way down that hill. The outskirts of Edgewood looked like New York when we finally made it down.
When Phil and his Gas Fitter arrived later, he looked at me and asked “did you have any difficulty getting it here?’
“Piece of cake!”
And so this is the way Phil and his sons established an assistance program that carried on to plumbing five cabins and the Whispering Pines Centre. More recently that involved “On Demand” Hot Water in the Retreat Building and replacement of the Kitchen Stove complete with a new automatic starting mechanism.
When I saw the young Novokshonoffs work, They applied their trade as grown adults even though they were barely teenagers at that time. Most important to note is that they followed their father’s instruction completely.
I watched as a thirteen year old jumped into a pickup and backed a trailer into a spot like a seasoned Trucker, in a straight line with no hint of a jack-knife . Our mouths dropped open in disbelieve.
My continuing visual picture is Phil sitting on a stool in the middle of the yard while they were working on piping in the septic tank. What amazed me is that Phil was knew exactly what they were doing as he would offer advice from his location some 25 feet away “with try that wrench, it will work better!”
In the evenings we had many occasions to talk and I learned that Phil had a deep understanding of “What is a Doukhobor” as that is the way he lived his life.
This is a Celebration of Phil’s life and so I need to mention another humorous incident that took place when I visited Phil in the hospital during his challenges with weight reduction. He had been transferred from Calgary and was in the West Kootenay Regional Hospital and on the second time I visited with Phil, he told me this story and I admit we laughed heartily.
Phil started with “these guys were not providing me with enough food so I called 911 at 7:00 P.M.”
“So what happened?” I was surprised to hear.
“Well the Paramedics came charging into my room to the surprise of the Hospital Staff”, Phil explained.
“When everyone finally settled down, I said that they are starving me here!” as we both laughed at his sense of humor.
“That is not all, Elmer,” Phil continued, “I called in for a Pizza delivery and got two pizzas into my room before anyone caught on.
I believe that I can speak from all of us at the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999, we wish to express our sincerest thank you to Phil and the entire Novokshonoff family for your contributions to the development of Whatshan.
Let Phil’s spirit become synonymous with all those great spirits that have blessed us here on Earth and now he can continue with his greatest mission yet.
Elmer Verigin, President
Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999
Written June 28, 2014

THIS IS ALL ABOUT KATIE (Deceased May 10, 2014)

I knew Jim before I met Katie and after meeting her I became encouraged….there was hope for this guy yet.

There was a special bond created between Jim and I when we unceremoniously became delegates to initiate a unification of young Doukhobors in Western Canada back in 1969. January was a bad choice to go to Saskatchewan but after six days of marathon meetings, blizzards mixed with hospitality, I knew that Jim was a good leader when he drove into Swift Current in a blinding snow storm while I navigated. I asked that infamous question “are we there yet as the speedometer suggests we must be?”

His answer was “how would I know as I cannot see a thing!”

I opened the door and bumped into a parking meter, “We are here!”

Yes I knew then I was safe with Jim. No, we did not achieve unification of Doukhobors!

But we created a bond, recognized by Katie as she melted into this friendship through the rest of our lives.

Katie had unique attributes which revealed an intelligence that was modest as she never boasted nor indicated any desire to stand above anyone around her. Her Doukhobor upbringing enabled her to live entirely under the direction of the psalm Be Devout. When you read this psalm, Katie’s character becomes clear.

Oh yes, Katie could party with the rest of us and so she was part of the gang.

Right at the outset Katie couldn’t wait to start her family and when she became pregnant with Jamie, there was a glow around Katie as an enthusiastic and expectant mother. She immediately became involved with raising her family which was to be her obsession as the rest of the boys came along.

It was volley ball, baseball and about anything the boys did always received the entire family support with love. Coaches and the team families became welcome at their house, room, campground or wherever the event was being staged. All these people became the extended family.

This meant that getting together with the Laktins had to be second to what was happening in the family. We all understood and were happy for them. Of course that did not prevent soaking in their Jacuzzi and drifting on the Arrow Lakes in their House Boat whenever time permitted.

At this time the Latkins were part of the Doukhobor Cultural Association that interested themselves in hearing from thought-provoking speakers on a variety of subject matter. On one such occasion, John Verigin Sr came to speak to us. Katie was our Secretary at that time and I occasionally looked her way to see what she was doing about making notes on this profound presentation by our speaker. I did not see her make one note. Two weeks later, she gave her seven (7) page account of John Verigin Sr’s presentation that astounded all of us in its completeness and clarity. So you be the judge of that lady’s capability.

Katie’s reputation of a good cook was well known by those who had the privilege to sample same. I recall our infamous Curling Team decided that a Bonspiel in Revelstoke was very necessary. We convinced our wives that we would have to leave Wednesday to get there by Friday evening using the irregular Galena Bay Ferry schedule, icy roads, etc., as justification for the lengthy trip. Katie took this very seriously and loaded the van with countless jars of dill pickles, pickled cabbage and asparagus not to mention pickled hardboiled pickled eggs. We found it amazing that Katie knew what food was necessary for professional Curlers.

Well everyone at the Bonspiel heard about our stash and crashed our room till all hours of the night exalting at the fantastic cook that created all this. Needless to say, Katie won in the culinary field but her heroes lost every game.

In recent years the Laktins came back to the Kootenays and we reinstated our relationship when Jim and I started working together at Grandview.

There were times that I was present when Jim was having lunch. Let me tell you that Katie knew how to pack a lunch. As I watched Jim gorge himself, my saliva dripped. It was an easy decision to stay away at lunch time so that I would not have to watch with envy. I tried different times and guess what: he was eating no matter when I showed up. What a lunch lady!

We decided to do things like creek fishing, picking Suzziki, mushrooms or Huckleberries and just plain visiting. No matter when, eating and Katie’s hospitality abounded. I am not sure now what was more exciting, the fishing and outing event or getting to see what Katie packed for lunch. There was always enough for twice as many people and perhaps Katie was naturally always ready for that possibility.

When Jamie became an entrepreneur with the Market, Katie was there in support, creating her special borsch recipes along with an endless supply of Pyrahaee for the enthusiastic customers.

A special high light in Katie’s life was when the grand children came along. It just seemed that her love for family rose to an exceptional height. Although all received an equal love, her excitement over the arrival of the triplets made even all her friends share in her rise to this wealth in family relationship. I never heard the word triplets used so many times with the corresponding amount of love.

Then when the Medical Fraternity gave Katie a clean bill of health this past February we decided to celebrate that occasion. We loaded up with:

• Fresh Oysters
• Lobster Tail
• Jumbo Prawns
• Scallops

and headed for the Laktin house. The visit started with the fresh oysters and carried on from there. We were overjoyed that Katie loved seafood and also knew exactly how to prepare same.

Wow what a party!

No such celebration can be enjoyed by Doukhobors unless there is a competition between men and women with a game of Doorock. After 20 or more games the ladies asked if we had been cheating. With absolute innocent faces we responded , “of course not. It is just the way the cards fall. You know that Doukhobors don’t cheat in Doorock!” Sorry Katie, now I must confess to your spirit that maybe I did once or twice but I am sure that Jim did not.

We made plans to go on a Casino junket next time but it was not able to happen. I have to admit that 24 hours after she died, she was pressing the right keys for me at Chances and let me win a few dollars. If that is the way you want to continue participating Katie, I am fine with that.

When I ponder on this issue, I cannot fathom what goes in our bodies when over 10 trillion cells that make up our bodies regenerate so that, save our heart, bones, teeth and brain, replace themselves every 7 to 10 years. This means that Katie’s body was able to do just that at least 6 times successfully. Medical Science is still determining why this last time Katie’s body became a victim of faulty programming of those cells who attacked each other in a futile control struggle that resulted in her body expiring.

In my understanding, Katie is just in another dimension and with us even today and likely with remain with her family for a time. Quantum Physics agrees with this but unfortunately we are not able to communicate between dimensions although we can feel that something is definitely happening.

Katie, our memories with Jim and you will be ours for a long time.

Elmer and Marilyn Verigin May 16, 2014

Allan:

I noticed that you visited my blog recently and I do hope it was an enjoyable viewing. I still am susceptable to a Priincipal’s grammar and spelling check even if he is retired.

I provided you with my email address but I failed to obtain yours in the exchange. Perhaps, you can communicate this to me.

John Slastukin called me yesterday from his place North of Regina and advised that it was very cold in Saskatchewan this year. We recalled digging the snow along that roadway that serviced Rezansoffs, Paul Kondratoffs, Slastukins and your home place.

I also talked with your relatives yesterday, Lawrence and Kathy Popoff. Lawrence is related to your mother, the Dootoffs. They still remember the beautifal visit with your parents a few years back.

I encourage you to comment on my blog or email me privately so that I would have your contact information.

Elmer

The last trip to Mazatlan that I took with my family was the celebration of our Golden Anniversary that Marilyn and I enjoyed with our entire family two years ago. We all recall how beautiful that experience was when we all “bonded” in a fashion that our collective spirits can only appreciate. We are now merely adding to that “cup that continues to fill” with love.

As it has been my habit of late, I again awoke at 3:00 A.M., to thoughts that kept streaming through my head. They were creative thoughts and have recently improved in a positive fashion from the scattered and discontinuous “ramblings” in the past, that were most disturbing and troubling to my already tortured spirit.

So I rose out of the recliner in my office (I seem to move from location to location in my house) as I search for a “comfort zone” where I can drift back into slumber. This time I was reflecting on the three family occasions, this 2013 holiday season, where we were all able to again be entirely together: to laugh, embrace, love, revel, feast and toast each other to build on all that continues to be our family “wealth”.

So I decided that I would record these thoughts for eternity rather than continue to twist and turn like a dog or cat that “scratches” its resting place in a fruitless effort to make it a more comfortable place. I started thinking of Winston Churchill who would apparently spend the entire evening with his friends and associates, wining, dining and philosophizing and then in the wee hours of morning, begin his writing of speeches, reports and agendas that were the focus of his “finest hours” as Prime Minster of England during World War II challenges. I heard inspirational speakers suggest that no one should resist this early morning creativity as it is then that your best thoughts come forth with an ease that perhaps become personal highest achievements.

I have to preface this writing with the preparation that my parents afforded me in my youth as my role in the family and my personal responsibility as what comes first:

• Wake up early
• Feed the chickens
• Feed the horses and cattle
• Fill the rough with water for all the animals
• Open the coop and allow the poultry freedom to roam again in the absence of threats from weasels, skunks and coyotes
• Milk the cows and separate the milk
• Feed the calves with skim milk and take the cream to the “ice house” where it will keep until there was enough to fill a cream can and send away by rail to the Creamery some six times a month. This was the major revenue for clothes, etc.
• There were many other farm chores that were absolute necessities for survival on a family living farm

After all that I could go to school. This meant a fifty minute walk each way. Play was in all the time that remained.

Little did I realize the impact of all this upbringing would have on the development of my character and all those who grew up in a similar fashion.

University was first and then the job which would get me the car that I “needed” to sport a girl friend. Then there was the job that was needed to ensure my future. Of course, my role always seemed to be leadership and the responsibility associated with that.

With that responsibility, it was my understanding that the job was foremost before family. It became a routine that my family was always waiting for me to come home and share whatever time remained with them. So it became my depravation and disappointment that I missed out on too many segments of their lives which is now lost forever.

This Christmas, I decided to change my habits and I achieved a tremendous personal success.

My family had three major functions planned together:

• Daughter Lori’s fiftieth surprise birthday
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

All these would be attended by all my family but I had a responsibility to the Kootenay Mens Choir as it was committed to performances at community events. I made my decision that my compromise would favor my family and so I left immediately after we sang at the Pentecostal Carol Fest and the Christmas Concert at the Brilliant Cultural Centre. Yes I was late for the family events but I at least captured and enjoyed the greatest portions.

I used my time to talk, one-on-one, with my grandchildren and here are the magnificent obsessions that I was able to experience and enjoy.

It was mostly the finest moments in my life and, as such, share with you now:

1. I started with my oldest grandson, Sean, who drove from Kelowna to attend all these family gatherings. After successful graduation with a Degree in Business, he decided that he wanted to take a practical approach to life and enrolled in a Millwright apprenticeship program. He is now rebuilding rock crushing equipment in Vernon, B.C. He enthusiastically explains all the various Trades People that he is associated with in his job. He logs some fifty hours a week and just loves it all. He aspires to become an Owner / Manager in the Heavy Duty Mechanical Industry. His practical expertise, coupled with his professional Business Degree should ensure a successful future career.
2. Roxy, his attractive partner, outlined her career as a Beauty Technician, doing everything with hair including trimming beards and moustaches (to the male population, of course, when they drop in). Interestingly, enough, she works on commission and essentially is rewarded for performance and ability by the customers that opt for her expertise.  She attended the appropriate schooling and now is applying her knowledge with practical application. Her goal is to purchase her own Salon.
3. I was not able to have a serious chat with Kayla, my senior granddaughter but I will reserve that to a time when both us can visit. In the interim, she has added to our family, our first great grandson, Maxx. What a hit this child has made ever since he joined our family this past summer! I know that she is planning a direction to add to her Health Services Management Degree with an application that will challenge her capability. For now she is enjoying serving as a Stay-at-Home Mom. I am looking forward to that interview.
4. Nathan, Kayla’s partner is now a Journeyman Electrician after serving his apprenticeship. They are obviously enjoying all the new challenges of a young family. This chat will also wait for a more opportune time.
5. Kara has now graduated in Human Kinetics and her first job is with Pure North Wellness Clinic in Calgary. She is now organizing the vitamin and supplement program for the Canadian Olympic Team. She has taken to this job with great enthusiasm as she likes what she is doing. At this time she is not sure of the exact direction her career should take and that is something that will require more research. At this time she is the “bread-winner” on their partnership. She sang a solo for Gramps, a special rendition of “Don’t Cry for me Argentina”. Tears came to my eyes as did to the entire audience at Lori’s birthday party. If I could only get her to the voice confidence of Celine Dion, there would not be much difference in the end.
6. Her partner Tyler continues with his Hockey Scholarship at SAIT and is now enrolled in Computer Programming. He is doing well in both and expects graduation in the summer of 2015. Both young people have a great future ahead of them and we all look forward to future interviews for updates. Kara’s parents bought him a Beer Fridge for a Christmas present so that he can get his weight up for more inertia in his hockey checking.
7. Allie has been taking correspondence courses in a gradual process to attain a degree in Nursing. She is enjoying an A grade in all her courses and is now getting practical experience as Director of a Group Home for seriously handicapped seniors in Peace River Alberta. She started this fall as a Worker and has already risen to Director. The Owner of the Group Home gave her a substantial Christmas bonus and a major raise in pay which demonstrates her total commitment to doing her job well. While all this is going on, she continues with her On-Line Studies and the A grades. She absolutely loves her job!
8. Her partner, Taylor, is due to achieve his Journeyman status as a Heavy Duty Mechanic. He currently logs long hours servicing Oil Pumping Stations in the Peace River area. Taylor spent his holiday with his family in the Okanagan and was unable to join us. Allie explains his challenges of servicing motors in 45 below weather. I can’t wait to be debriefed with this aspiring young man.
9. Garrett is now enrolled in Golf Course Management at Selkirk College and will achieve a Certificate this summer in this field. He had worked at a golf course in Osooyos, after two years as Captain of the Osooyos Coyotes. He now plays on the Selkirk Saints Hockey Team. Garrett is torn between becoming a Journeyman Carpenter, a professional Hockey Player or continuing in this field of Golf Course Management. The lure from Hockey Teams enticing him to join them continues to distract him. It will be interesting to see where the “beacon” directs him in the next short while. It is obvious that he is poised to succeed wherever he sets down.
10. Nigel has always shown signs of being a Graphic Designer and has been sketching since a small child. He has a full briefcase where he is accumulating his workings. It will be a treasure chest when he achieves his final career echelon. Since his grade twelve graduation, he has been trying to find a source of income that will raise enough capital to pay the tuition for Graphic Designer. His current job with City Furniture as Shipper / Receiver and Delivery Specialist has impressed his Employer to provide him with a substantial bonus of furniture which he proudly showed the family. What is exciting about Nigel is his thirst for knowledge and his ability to write. He emotionally read his latest poem at Christmas Dinner. It has been accepted by a local magazine for publishing. He is certainly following a Grandfather Elmer gene in that area. It will be exciting to watch this unfold with time.
11. Malcolm is in his graduate year at Stanley Humphries and continues being on the Honor Roll. At this point he is applying to Selkirk College in the Medicine and Marketing Programs. It will be interesting to see his success in achieving entry. This is the first year that Selkirk College has offered the Premed course and it is likely that there will be stiff competition. The beauty here is that he can take either course and live at home which can make College very affordable. In the interim, he works at Boston Pizza after being with Chopsticks, his friend’s family Chinese Restaurant. This one will also be an interesting career to follow. His drumming passion has progressed to playing in a local band.
12. Solomon continues to achieve invitations from professional Hockey Teams for try-outs. At fifteen he has already been at the Everett , Washington WHL Camp last Summer and achieved the top four Goalies status which was enough to have him signed for future reference as he is too young to play at this time. He has now received an invitation to attend the Michigan Hockey try-outs in the summer of 2014. What I have not been able to determine is whether it is hockey or girls (very handsome guy) that are distracting him from his formal education but he will need to improve this area in order to secure an invite to the Colleges and we are all confident that he will do just that.
13. Abby is in her undergraduate year at J. Lloyd Crowe and tells me that she wants to be an Educator like her father Kim. She is aspiring to the Human Kinetics field. In the interim she has developed great skills in all kinds of crafts. She has joined friends to place tables at Craft Fairs and has made bracelets and necklaces for the entire family which we all proudly display. Participation in sports also occupies her time and I was not able to get a list of boyfriends but I will just have to ask her sister Macy about that. Abbie is saving money for  Grad trip abroad in 2014.
14. Macy is the youngest and in grade six. Already we have seen her achieve great winnings in Karate and Track & Field. This slightly built young lady just seems to glide naturally into victory as most champions do. Of course sometimes boys distract young females from achieving their goals but she is a very determined girl. As he sister, Allie, Macy tells me that the Human Kinetics field is what she is currently aspiring to. She loves her Dad a lot and he is her idol as Athletic Director at Selkirk College. Perhaps this is influencing their choice but we will see as all this evolves.

So, I have compromised in favor of my family this Christmas as I am starting to do more and more. My rewards have been substantial in what I learned. I love all my family and I do feel that I should record this Christmas 2013 moment in their developmental history.

Elmer Verigin

Entered directly into Laptop. Last notation December 26, 2013

EXCERPT FROM “CHICKEN SOUP for the  UNSINKABLE SOUL”

1999 Jack Canfield; Mark Victor Hansen and Heather McNamara

I was reading this book that Marilyn had bought at a ‘Flea Market” for $1.00 as she was desperate for me to come out of my depression. This article caught my eye and I will share with you:

……………….” You Can Beat The Odds and Be a Winner, Too

Bury him in the snows of Valley Forge and you have a George Washington.

Raise him in abject poverty and you have Abraham Lincoln

Subject him to bitter religious prejudice, and you have a Disraeli.

Spit on him and crucify him and you have Jesus Christ.

Label him “too stupid to learn”, and you have a Thomas Edison.

Tell her she’s too old to start painting at eighty, and you have a Grandma Moses.

Have him or her born black in a society filled with racial discrimination, and you have a Brooker T. Washington, Harriet Tubman, Marian Anderson, George Washington Carver or Martin Luther King Jr.

Make him the first child to survive in a poor Italian family of eighteen children, and you have Enrico Caruso.

Afflict him with periods of depression so severe that he cut off his own ear, and you have a Vincent van Gogh.

Tell her in the later 1800s and early 1900s that only men can be scientists, and you have a Madame Curie, who eventually won two Nobel Prizes — one for physics and the other for Chemistry.

Tell a young boy who loved to sketch and draw that he has no talent, and you have a Walt Disney.

Tale a crippled child whose only home he ever knew was an orphanage, and you have a James E. West, who became the first chief executive of the Boy Scouts of America.

Make him a second fiddle in an obscure South American orchestra, and you have a Toscanini.

Abigail Van Buren…………………………..”

This is meant for those of us who keep thinking that we are failures and cannot get ahead.

Transcribed December 23, 2013

Elmer Verigin