The rural life is for me

Some of my favorite memories from my childhood were made on my uncle's daylily farm near Orono, Ontario. Henry Lorraine and his late partner Doug Lycett started the business to breed daylilies, and once a summer hold a public open house to debut and sell their new flowers. Several times when I was a child, my mom and I travelled to the farm to lend a hand during the open house and visit family.

I lived in the suburbs but even as a child, I knew I preferred wide open spaces and through these occasional visits to the farm, I discovered I enjoyed working on the land. My cousins and I were "runners" — whenever a customer placed an order at the farmhouse, it was radioed to the gardeners in the fields, who dug up the plants, bound them, and gave them to one of us to run back to the farmhouse.

Daylilies only bloom for one day, so at sundown we would walk up and down the rows of plants, deadheading the day's blossoms to make room for the buds that would bloom the following morning. It seemed to me an idyllic way to live. That may be a little naivety on the part of a city girl, but it inspired in me a lifelong dream to marry a farmer — which, as I've grown up (and fallen in love with a man without a single rural bone in his body), has translated into a dream to at least own land someday.

Until I gather the capital to make that dream a reality, I have to settle for events like the one pictured above: a celebration of the newly-approved carbon-free village in Leduc County. The project is not expected to break ground until the fall, but the designers held a potluck on June 27 to give the project partners — and potential future residents — an opportunity to see the property.

We also helped plant some donated trees on a section of the land designated to become a future nature reserve for all the residents of the village to enjoy.

I may have unnerved Leduc County councillor Reinhold Ortlieb with my enthusiasm for digging holes, as he kept cautioning me not to break the shovel in the hard clay ground. I can't help it — give me dirt and an open field and something green to lavish with TLC, and I'm good to go.

Bobby will have some more photos from the event in the July 3 Rep.

Vacation countdown

It has been years since I have been on a vacation and even though I (usually) really enjoy my job, I just need a break!

I have been working at the Rep for more than a year, with no vacation. The summer before I started I was interning here, with no vacation. The summer before that I was working full time saving up for school, with no vacation.

As of Friday July 3, I can stop complaining, because I get an entire week and one day off. This is the week and one day I have been looking forward to since I called dibs on it about 10 months ago.

I decided to save my first holiday for this exact week for one simple reason: CALGARY STAMPEDE.

Growing up I would go to Stampede every year with my family. I usually enjoyed traveling on the C-Train more than any of the rides, and usually ended the day vomiting thanks to the few rides I did go on, but it was some of the best times of my life.

Since I have turned 18 and been legal to drink I have not had the opportunity to go, but this is my year.

To make things even better I will get to see some friends and family I haven't seen in months and some close friends from Leduc will also be making their way there.

We have some big plans that include beer gardens, midways, shopping, nachos and early breakfasts to help us get ready to do it all again. And the best of all Reba McEntire, a concert I missed out on two years ago because I got the summer position here, with my good friend from SAIT Torie.

Somehow, Torie got us row 7 tickets, and I have been counting down the days since I found out.

So in just a few days I will be throwing all my laundry into a few garbage bags to take home for my mom to wash, putting on my drinking boots (actually flip-flops, boots just sound more appropriate for Stampede) and get my new cowboy hat ready for a long week that I can guarantee will end up with me broke and sleep deprived.

Thinking about it at work I would probably have more time to myself, I would get more sleep, save a lot of money and I wouldn't have any of those mystery bruises I always end up with.

But I cannot wait! 

I should probably take a vacation from my vacation, because my predictions are I will end up coming back to work even more worn out than I am now and I will need a break more than I do now.

The only thing I know I will be able to do when I get back is what I do now, rush to the office after I sleep in, leave all my work to the last minute and beg to go home early. 

Temporary relief?

A rain squall blows over Nisku near the Edmonton International Airport June 26, bringing much-needed moisture to the area. Leduc County council is considering declaring the county a disaster area in order to obtain government relief for drought-stricken farmers. Council will monitor the situation and make a decision at their July 14 meeting.

Photo by Alex Pope

Twittering Anonymous

I am the type of girl who enjoys the simple things in life like my family, friends, my dog and trashy magazines with all the latest Hollywood romours. 

I find myself often going online to check my messages and three hours later know everything that happened that day with my favourite Celebs.

When I first heard of Twitter I was certain I would never join. I felt like Twitter would be replacing Facebook, and in my heart nothing could replace Facebook.

Before my roommate moved out we would talk about everything and she would always keep my updated on Taylor Swifts rapping career, When Kristen Stewart was hanging out with Robert Pattinson and everything to do with Kendra Wilkinson's wedding. 

One week ago, my roommate moved out. And immediately had the urge to join Twitter. Last night I lost the battle and became a Twitterer. 

And in less than 24 hours I have become addicted. 

Sure my little sister had to teach me how to do everything, and I still haven't changed my status once but I absolutely love it!

Not only can I stay updated on what my favourite celebrities are doing but I can follow the news and Perez Hilton!!

The best part is that my editor can't tell when I am online the days she takes of. 

Currently I am following about 57 people. I am pretty sure I know 2 of them.

So if anyone has and idea of someone interesting I should follow or if you have any advise on Twittering let me know, I am LauraFayeRing. 

And make sure you don't forget to follow the Leduc Representative - Leducrep.

Weekly Roundup — June 26

Here's what's making news in Leduc and area this week:

• Leduc County councillors engaged in a little verbal sparring over a Pigeon Lake subdivision approval at their June 23 meeting.

• Meanwhile, confusion about what an area structure plan is temporarily derailed a public meeting in Pigeon Lake last week, with many residents saying they felt awkward about the role of developers in the process.

• Black Gold Kennels are currently overrun with cats in need of loving homes (and it would make Laura's life if you would adopt one).

• The ongoing drought is taking a toll on local farms and U-picks this summer.

• The City of Leduc is planning to bid to host the 2012 National Special Olympics.

• Based on her experience in the aftermath of the Prairie Professional fire, Laura outlines the importance of tenant insurance.

• The ROMPS playplace is looking for a new home after their space was destroyed in the Prairie Professional fire. Also, a fundraiser will be held June 30 for a young family who lost their home in the fire.

• Bobby has a story on what you can find at the Leduc Farmer's Market.

• This week we have two stories on "green" housing developments in the county — the first by Edmonton-based alternative energy consultants Carbon Busters, the second a condominium development near the airport.

• Two residents of New Sarepta have filed a petition for the village to undertake a dissolution study, which could see the village simply become a part of Leduc County instead of a separate municipality.

All this and more in the June 26 issue of the Rep!

(Photo: Five-year-old Danika Manion checks out her face in a mirror after having it decorated by a Boys and Girls Club volunteer at the second annual Soccerfest, a free afternoon of fun and entertainment for youth held by the Leduc Minor Soccer Association on June 20 at Lede Park. About 1,000 people were treated to free meals, activities and goodies. Photo by Carole Morris-Underhill.)

The fluff of dreams — Part 2

I've heard it said that Canada has only two seasons: winter and July.

Well, I've realized that Alberta also has only two seasons: snow and fluff.

I've thanked God every day this month that I don't suffer from allergies, because this is ridiculous:


I snapped this pic in Irene Parlby Park in Edmonton because that is a ridiculous amount of fluff. I could make a fluffball or a fluffman out of those fluffbanks.


There is a certain species of tree that apparently reproduces via fluff:


Amazing.

Weekly Roundup — June 19

Here's what's making news in Leduc and area this week:

• The community is helping the victims of the tragic Prairie Professional apartment fire pick up the pieces, while the fire department continues its investigation into the cause of the blaze.

• A group of young boys raised money for the victims with an impromptu juice stand.

• Laura's life was touched by the fire as well, an experience she wrote about in a column this week.

• The editorial this week also focuses on the incredible generosity of residents in the wake of the tragedy.

• As Bobby blogged last week, Alberta Liberal leader David Swann is critical of Bill 44.

• At the last EDA breakfast before summer, Travel Alberta vice-chair Bob Normand told everyone not to worry for the province's tourism industry.

• Leduc is ready to get co-operative — housing, that is.

• Your life is not complete until you've enjoyed a hot dog from the Leduc Community Living Association's outdoor vending cart.

• Across the county, Calmar is trying to cut down on misuse of its skatepark. The town also enjoyed a very successful diabetes walk. Also, the New Sarepta Municipal Library came in under budget last year.

• A local teen is preparing to showcase her pinup-inspired paintings in the upcoming Whyte Avenue Art Walk.

• Drugs are still bad for you — take it from Mike Ryan of Clean Scene.

This week was stacked with news and events, so pick up a June 19 Rep for more.

(Photo by Kate Hamilton)