The Town and Country Women met at the home of Edith Jacobs on Jan. 8 with eight members and a guest, and talked about activities they enjoy as seniors.
The Thought of the Day was “The future is today”, quoted from William Osler.
The Club Women’s Creed, written by Mary Stewart, was repeated by the members to open the meeting.
President Margaret Lukey gave some thoughts on the Christmas season which was just celebrated in December. She referred to an article by Linda Wegner, “What I don’t deserve for Christmas”, which names gifts that we enjoy every day as well as Christmas. Some of these include the gift of freedom, the gift of beauty, of family, friends and neighbours, gifts that are available to all of us.
Secretary Kathryn Groshong read the minutes of the November meeting, and treasurer Edith Jacobs gave the financial report. Toys, games and puzzles for children were brought to the group’s Christmas party in December. Ruth Prost delivered them to the Salvation Army on behalf of the Town and Country Women.
Ruth also read from the book entitled, “Breaking the Silence”, which is a collection of personal stories from people about their struggles with mental health issues. The book launch was held on Dec. 7 at Dominic’s Place in Weyburn. The books are on sale at Old Fashion Foods and Pharmasave. The program for the afternoon was comprised of thoughts given by each member on the topic, “What is it about our senior lives that brings us contentment?”
The following were the answers provided by members: • Being able to live in a comfortable apartment with people living close by to help you if you need it, makes me feel content;
• My children have been raised, and I have a daily routine that I enjoy. My pet cat has been with me for years, a great source of affection and comfort;
• This condo is my home now. I have a ‘buddy’ caller who calls each day to check on my health. I appreciate the safety precautions in effect for all of us at the condo;
• I like not having the day-to-day responsibility of raising children, of cooking large meals, and many household tasks. I’ve been there, and I like this more relaxed lifestyle where I can take a nap, read a book, and so on;
• My husband likes fishing and we both enjoy preparing gourmet meals of fish. We have a less stressful lifestyle, and don’t do the driving we once did. Plus we are enjoying our grandchildren;
• I like doing things at my own pace, in my own time, and making my own decisions; my family gives me excellent help;
• I find gardening and working outside is enjoyable; my hours are flexible, so I can take a nap anytime, watch TV, take time to read or listen to the radio;
• My husband and I enjoy the coziness of our condo, the sociability and help of people around us, family and great-grandchildren and more relaxation in our lifestyle. The thermostat is a wonder for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. We remember in days past it was not so easy, with wood and coal cook stoves, oil heaters, bottle gas cook stoves, coal furnaces, oil furnaces and the wonder of electric heat and natural gas with so little effort nowadays.
After the meeting, lunch was served by the hostess, Edith Jacobs.
