Dear Canimites,
The Christmas season is picking up speed here at the lakes, with groups, families and friends gathering to feast and enjoy each other's company.
The ladies of the community gathered for their last luncheon of the year at the Red Rock Grill in 100 Mile House. Marion Kellett, who just celebrated her birthday, was with them.
CPR training
If you've ever worried about a family member choking, or someone needing CPR, now is your chance to learn how to help them.
There will be a two-hour workshop, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m. in Margo's Cabin. Margo Wagner is a certified instructor and will lead the training.
Participation is limited to 12-15 because of space. Register as early as possible by phoning Margo at 250-397-0016.
This training is free for all Community Club members. Folks may buy their memberships at the door for $5, but pre-register to be sure of getting in.
Coming soon
The Community Club's Christmas Dinner will be held at B.J.'s Donuts & Eatery in 100 Mile on Dec. 16, starting at 6 p.m.
If you are new to the club, call Jean Reynolds at 250-397-2773 for details.
Crafty sessions
On Jan. 16, 19 and 26, the 3C's (crafts, cards and coffee) will focus on crochet lessons and the making of items, such as kitchen scrubbers and dish clothes. They gather at Margo's Cabin each Thursday at 10 a.m.
As part of their continuing series of talks, the club will host dietician Lauren Bock sometime in February or March.
Logging traffic
Kelly Powell of West Fraser says the logging trucks on the Canim-Hendrix Lake Road are coming from two worksites.
The first, located up the Lang Lake (610) Road, is producing 10 to 15 loads a day of beetle-killed pine and some fire-killed wood.
The second site is above No Name Lake, with about 20 loads a day coming out on the 7000 Road at the 6018-kilometre mark, and then by Canim Lake.
The 7000 Road is plowed only as far as the 7014-km mark. Some parking room has been cleared for snowmobilers en route to Spanish Lake and beyond.
Both operations go five days a week, and will continue for the entire winter.
Kelly says if anyone has concerns or questions, they should telephone him at 250-395-8232, and he would be happy to answer them.
Mad Otter
The Mad Otter of Canim Lake made a foray into the nether lands across the South Canim Lake Road, up the hillside, and finally into the Wagner's carport under Margo's car.
What he was looking for is the source of great conjecture. Some say it was the scent of good baking that drew him; others that it was simply the quest for a longer, steeper slide.
Whatever the reason, all remained peaceful until Margo's athletic dog arrived on the scene. After an epic tussle, a new understanding was reached between the two, the otter making it safely back to the lake, and the dog only slightly the worse for wear, remaining the undisputed ruler of her kingdom.
Unusual bird sighted
A Western Red-Shafted Northern Flicker was seen at Canim bearing not only the usual bright red whiskers of his own race, but also the red-crescent nape of the Eastern Yellow-Shafted race.
Tom Godin says it seems the two races of Northern Flicker are interbreeding. He believes the colour distinctions between the two first developed when populations were separated during the last ice age.
Since that barrier disappeared, the birds are mixing again with a blending of colours.
That's all for now. Here's wishing you a blessed Christmas.