Several deep heartfelt sighs, a brief phone conversation to commiserate (analyze where it all went wrong) goodbye, good night.
That was the reaction of my familial granny-Canuck-super-fans (my mom Mary and my aunt Joan) to another set back in the 40-year quest for Stanley.
Nothing like the post-game havoc wrought by young, jersey-clad hoodlums (and lovely hoodlum-ettes who gave new meaning to equality of the sexes). Sheesh — a major setback as they purposefully trashed downtown Vancouver. Clearly (evidenced by their criminal behaviour) their moral compasses are sadly skewed.
It’s a game — Canada‘s game; you play your best (hardest), winning some, losing some. That’s life (especially in the cattle industry) where we’ve had more than our share of hard times, yet we’re still in the game!
If a tough loss is all it takes to trigger your dark, nasty alter-ego (lame, lame excuse), then you need to get a life! Search your soul, seek perspective — grow up.
Back to ranching, while we sat watching hockey, spring came and went (without fanfare) and in the Cariboo it rained.
The precipitation helped colour the landscape many shades of green, a picturesque sight that has lifted spirits while providing our cows with ample grazing.
Last week, we even had the luxury of watching spectacular lightning storms with little fear, unlike last year when dry-conditions had us trembling in trepidation at any hint of electrical weather events.
How sad that the hockey hooligans (easily identifiable) didn’t have the sense to realize that one tiny ember sometimes sparks a hellish conflagration that leaves scars ever after.
An upcoming event of interest: Ranchers and Growers Irrigation Workshop (Monday, June 27 in Williams Lake); call: 250-398-7929 for more info or e-mail ccentre@ccconserve.org to register. Admission is free. You must pre-register.
Liz Twan is a local rancher and columnist for the Tribune.