The ephemeral sweet pea provides some of summer’s sweetest moments. I love to drink in the smell and beauty of a gorgeous, just-picked bunch, filing away the experience to be revisited during the dark days of winter.
When they’re brought into the house, I know a newly gathered bunch will last just a couple of days before it will be sent packing to the compost bin. We’ve been lucky to have luscious blooms of pink, purple, white, and red filling vases around our house all summer.
It’s one of those simple pleasures that my family and I might not get to enjoy, because of a lack of space or time, if we had chosen to stay in the city. But here in Pemberton, life moves slower. I’m reminded of a comment someone made to me about all of the visitors in town the day before Slow Food Cycle Sunday, looking for something to do before the main event. I hope they did what we do here — marvel at the views, enjoy the evening breeze, and contemplate how lucky we are to be right here in Pemberton.
***
Pemberton StrongStart begins at Signal Hill Elementary School on Tuesday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. This free play group for children from birth to six years old and their parents or care providers operates five mornings a week and follows the school calendar. Parents are reminded that children must be registered to attend this program. To do so, bring along your child’s birth certificate or passport when you first attend the program.
***
The Pemberton Women’s Institute presents the seventh annual Pemberton Country Fair on Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Pemberton Museum from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Usher in fall at this down-to-earth event that will feature vendors selling local produce, crafts, canning and baking. Live music will add to the atmosphere. Vendors can book space by stopping by the museum for a registration form.
For more information, call Linda at (604) 894-6580.
***
Peak Learning Preschool is a new preschool program opening at the Cottonwood Community Centre on Thursday, Sept. 16.
The preschool will be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for children from 30 months to five years, from 8:30 until 11:15 a.m.
Peak Learning will follow the High/Scope curriculum, a research-based program that has been proven to enhance children’s success.
For more information and to register, call Susan at (604) 894-1414.
***
The Pemberton Museum continues to offer visitors a glimpse into our past. With September approaching, and with it the closure of the museum for the season, there is an ever-shrinking window of opportunity to drop by and pay a visit to this local treasure. The museum is open daily until September from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information about the museum and events, visit www.pembertonmuseum.org.
***
The Pemberton Farmers’ Market operates every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. until Thanksgiving in the parking lot of the Pemberton Valley Supermarket. Drop by to fill your shopping bags with fresh farm produce and locally made goods and treats.
***
Have a comment, idea or event for this column? You can send it to itsmegrace@hotmail.com.
