Why Raymond????

First of all, I apologize that the paragraphs are always askew. When I do the post, it looks normal and then they fall apart, when it publishes.

We are constantly being asked how is Raymond? Usually the question is asked rather coyly with a bit of a knowing smile and a sideways glance at whoever is around. Actually it is a great question, one which we answer equally coyly and a sideways glance at each other. While we are not yet ready to declare "Eureka, we have found Utopia", we are very satisfied with the past 7 months (flood notwithstanding).

Raymond offers:

1. 
   
   Raymond Rush Hour. That is an Oxymoron. The only complaint we have about traffic is that there seems to be an abundance of stop signs and SWAM is quick to point out that I don't seem to come to a full and complete stop all the time. One morning, I heard a Semi start up somewhere in the distance.


2. 
   
   Everybody waves at everybody else. The other day I was working out in the front yard and an elderly gentleman on a 3 wheeled scooter, pulled into the driveway for a visit. By the time he left, I had a new friend.


3. 
   
   Kids run free. When I was a boy in Nanton, we were free to roam the town. We were usually expected to show up at meal times but as long as we were home in time for bed, Mom was fine with that. Children ride their bikes in the streets, they feel welcome to go to friends houses or to check out what we are doing, either in the house or garage. M., our 3 year old neighbor treats me a little like Mr. Wilson and I am afraid that I treat him a little like Dennis. I do love his calling across the street, "Hi Neighbor".


4. 
   
   The Mercantile. The local food store is adored by the residents. Once you get past the somewhat grumpy girls in the front of the store, there is almost anything you need to survive. Saturday last week I needed bacon as we had an influx of company and I went to the Merk at 8:00 a.m. In spite of the sign indicating the hours to be from 9:00 to 6:00 and the lights off, I tried the door. It opened and I went right in, calling out for any signs of life. The proprietor, Rusty, came down from his office and indicated that of course it was open. I liked that!!!! The Raymond Pro Hardware is operated by a new friend. He has assisted us in all our hard good needs and offers fair pricing and a helping hand. The Town Pump, the local gas station, has great Snow Bobs and the fastest clerk I've ever seen.


5. 
   
   Friends. We have good friends who live across the street. While they are hardly ever home in AB., we have a life-long cherished relationship. Gerry shared tears with one of the other neighbors the other day as they reminisced about a recent tragedy. We cannot be accused of being aggressive at making new friends as our lives have been BUSY this past few months but we enjoy the people we meet at church, we see friends from long ago and look forward to a little more social networking in the future.


6. 
   
   July 1st. We. SWAM and I, were instantly converted to the community on July 1 as we witnessed families and friends fill this town for the annual parade, rodeo and reunion. Raymond is a community of approximately 4,000 residents but for the 3 day weekend around July 1, it swelled to 10,000. SWAM and I drove around on the 1st, after the parade and were proud of all the families who were gathered in their backyards, picnicking and partying.


7. 
   
   Many trips have been made into the country to see what's out there. We have stopped by Hutterite Colonies and have been welcomed by all, are surprised at the number of lakes in the area where people boat, swim and fish, have been awed by the beauty and have renewed our love of Waterton.


8. 
   
   We are 2 hours and a bit from Calgary and the same from Great Falls. Airfare from Great Falls is about 1/2 what it is from Calgary to almost anywhere. (Anywhere fun that is)


9. 
   
   We miss our children and grandchildren that are in the Calgary area and regret not having our regular meals together but love the fact that number one daughter and her five beautiful little maidens are 4 minutes away. The other day, as I picked up my mail at the post office, 2 little girls came in and gave their grandpa a squeeze then invited me to lunch. Of course our options were EXTREMELY limited but fortunately we all like Subway.

I like mowing the lawn on a lawn tractor, the golf course is 12 minutes away and it is superb, our new home is all we hoped it would be. We love having people stop by and stay the night. There have been hiccups but we grow through them and learn and develop.

Please come visit.