THE TREETOPS STUDIOS - SAANICHTON
Our Community at The Treetops Studios
Hi! I'm back. Let's go this way, shall we. It's very pleasant outside and I've set out some chairs. Fresh tea and coffee will be ready in a moment.
Elaine has gone off to find some pastry and cookies so shall I tell you a little story she has heard a dozen times? Being part Irish I can stretch a good story out for ever, but I'll be brief this time.
You see, there was this youngish 'older gentleman'. He was a very active 'retired and volunteering' sort of chap. One day as he hurried from one appointment to another in his little village - not unlike our own - he was struck down dead in his tracks. A stroke? A heart attack? Who knows. Anyway, when he opened his eyes, there before him were the pearly gates. On one side a recording angel sat at a table turning the pages in a very large and much annotated ledger. On the other side stood Saint Peter. Our older gentleman's first thought was; "I made it!" An instant later his second, was; "Darn! Now I'll be sent down for arrogance and pride, and at the very last minute too." Saint Peter smiled; "It's fine my son. Jubilation is encouraged." Our hero relaxed a little, stepped forward and then stopped in dismay. "But, it can't be. I have a meeting on palliative care funding in five minutes and then the math drop-in at the middle school. I can't disappoint the kids! And tomorrow ...." Saint Peter looked toward the bookkeeper; "Well, Thomas?" "Yes sir. It's not a blameless record. But he has to be here." Saint Peter thought for a moment and then signaled for a ninety second reset of the celestial clock. "Ordinarily, I would have no options. Heaven it must be. But since you are already living in Saanichton ...." Top
This is where we have our 'Studio Breaks' in fine weather. There are almost no mosquitoes or black flies in Saanichton. Not all our visitors are human - the peacocks have appeared twice - but you can see why we like it out here. Yes, we always did a lot of volunteering. Retiring young and in good health, we probably said 'Yes.' a few too many times. Over the first ten years of 'retirement', we must have put thousands of hours a year into dozens of seniors, health care, heritage, environmental, arts and crafts, and educational programs. But as the Studio developed we have pared down our obligations. Now our efforts are focussed on work that furthers the arts and crafts on the Saanich Peninsula.
The thirty second sermon for your coffee is that 'Our Community' is not just where we live. It's all those intersecting circles of family, old friends, new neighbours and new interests. By all means take care of each other, keep fit, plan for your retirements and make the financial preparations. But stay flexible and keep an open mind. Whole new horizons will begin to open up for you. Be ready for it!
Well folks, that brings us to the end of our tour of The Treetops Studios. Please feel free to return to any of the work areas that caught your interest. You can top up your coffee or tea as you go. If you must leave then click on Return Home. Do come again, and if you have any questions just Contact Us. Top
Contact Us
Elaine Dendy e-laine@shaw.ca
John Oliver Dendy dendy@islandnet.com
URL: http://www.treetops-studios.com/index.htm
(unless otherwise stated in the page source code):
Text and Photography - © 2001-7 John Oliver Dendy
Design and Art - © 2001-7 John & Elaine Dendy
Web Layout - © 2001-7 John Oliver Dendy
Revised 22 June, 2007