Waiting for Santa

In anticipation that Santa Claus will drop off some new water toys this Christmas, Jim prepares to make his chimney opening just a little bit larger. I just hope Jim put up some non skid as well so that the reindeer don't slide off the roof.

Photo by Ernie Guenther

Don't forget about the final Columbia Ridge Christmas Craft fair this Saturday from 10 till 2 at the community hall. You might find that something special that you couldn't find anywhere else. Tom and I have been busy in the pottery studio and plan to show our wares at the fair so come on out and check it out.

Teapot and mugs

Sunshine in the Valley

Today was an incredibly stunning day. A sneak snowstorm had laid a blanket of snow down overnight turning the valley into a postcard moment by morning. Only 2 cm fell but it was enough to turn the greys and browns into crisp blues and whites. I tried to get out in the morning and capture it on film but wasn't too successful. What I was successful at was just getting out period. I enjoyed watching the sun come up over the mountain as I pedaled around the neighbourhood. 

Self portrait taken south of the neighbourhood

Canfor purchases Tembec's BC sawmills

As rumours will no doubt be flying about, they officially released yesterday that Canfor will purchase the Canal Flats and Elko sawmills and adjoining 1.1million cubic metres of timber rights. The pulp mill will stay with Tembec but an agreement has been made that will have Canfor supplying chips to the facility. A partnership so to speak.

Canfor, which currently owns the sawmill in Radium and others in central BC, will establish it as the largest producer of softwood lumber in BC.

What does this mean to the employees of Tembec who live in the valley? That part is still a bit unclear but the agreement says that no employees will be displaced as a result of the venture. Everyone will still have a job with competitive wages.

The deal has yet to be finalized and it isn't expected that Canfor will take control until sometime in the new year. 

Columbia Ridge Christmas Market

Looking for that something special for your loved ones at Christmas? Need some cookies or baked goods to go with your coffee or tea in front of the fire on those cool December evenings? Well then, look no further and check out the Columbia Ridge Christmas Market that is taking place every Saturday until the 10th of December.

It is set up in the Community Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and you will find wonderfully crafted quilts, fresh baking, Christmas decorations and more. If we get our stuff rolling, Tom and I should have some pottery ready to go for the last market on the 10th.

Invermere is also hosting a Christmas Craft fair at the Invermere Community Hall on Friday Dec 2nd and Saturday December 3rd if you find yourself in the area.

Both of these are great opportunities to explore the creativity of the local artisans in the area many of the small businesses that abound in the valley.

Rain Rain Rain

One minute it is -17 celsius, the next it is above freezing and pouring outside. The highways in the area this morning were an absolute glassy nightmare made worse by a layer of snowy slop on top. A good day to stay inside. This bought of ugly weather is supposed to stick with us for at least a few days so any snow we have will no doubt be gone. The high country is getting dumped on though so if you ski or snowmobile, you can be sure the snowpack is building.

Winter has set in

A calm morning at -17 C.

 Well it is a bitterly cold morning here at Columbia Ridge. The sun is shining, the ice crystals are sparkling and the temperature is biting. It is a very pretty morning mind you and the lake looks calm and peaceful. Peaceful except for the grumbling and groans that the ice is making. I thought at first it was a jet overhead but there was nothing in the sky.

Terrified of falling through ice I only stepped out onto it a few steps but it feels very solid along the shoreline. Still, I like to wait until I see vehicles out there before I go out too far.

Every year at this time I start looking at different ways to get out and play on the lake. This looks like fun don't you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH7PH9ktkLY

Maybe this will be the year to give it a try.

Autumn

Well it has been quite some time since I last posted. Holidays, the end of Summer and other things all got in the way. Now that fall has settled nicely into the valley I thought a quick blurb on some up and coming internet changes was due. First, a shot of fall colours to brighten what is a dreary, rainy day outside.

Aspen Trees

There we go. Some sunshine and yellow leaves while I type.

If you haven't heard, there is going to be a new web page for Columbia Ridge Estates. It is currently being developed and should be up and running......sometime soon. It promises to be a bit more than a blog with more information about the community and things to do and see. Plus, all the political ongoings with the board should be available at our fingertips when everything is in place. I am looking forward to working on it with the rest of the crew and hopefully you find it useful and a go to spot for all things Columbia Ridge (realistically, where else are you going to go?). 

The Thanksgiving long weekend is just around the corner and the weather is looking okay for it. Okay in the sense that there is sunshine in the forecast with temps in the teens. Low teens but teens none the less.

It has been very quiet out here lately but I imagine people will be out this weekend to get their houses ready for what will hopefully be a really nice, white winter.

May your turkeys be juicy and tender.

Devil's Club