Chapter 29
Another Beginning

The summer of 1982 Zellie and I decided to install a gas furnace as the price of furnace fuel was steadily increasing and the public were being encouraged to switch to natural gas with the information that natural gas would be less costly. Also government grants or loans were offered to help with the conversion to gas. Ours was installed in September by a man from Nokomis. We also ordered three windows to replace the old upstairs windows which were not in very good condition. These windows were made in a local factory just west of Watson. We hauled them home in our car. They cost us $530 and they were installed by a local carpenter. It took considerable time to alter the size and shape to fit the new windows but it was done well before winter.

I think I went for the usual winter trip to the west coast that winter but don't recall anything in particular about it. Zellie and I developed a difference of opinion in June over spending more money on improvements to the house. It was necessary for me to load up my clothes and depart. It was a serious disappointment after having spent almost three years in Govan and believed I had made many good friends. I had appreciated a good relationship with Gordon and enjoyed working with him on small jobs at any time of day. I said good-bye to a few special friends that I knew I would seldom see again.

In July I bought a house in Midale that I could afford on the north side of town. It needed a few small repairs and I painted it outside in 1984. While I was in BC and Washington that following winter of 1983-84, Charlie. Fadiah and Carol did a great deal of work painting almost the entire interior. I was fortunate to find some used furniture in real good condition, a stove and 8 foot fridge almost like new, also a chesterfield and chair all from one neighborly friend. My children provided me with a bed, dresser, and TV and I was back in business. In 1984 I bought a record player. It has been quite a challenge finding the kind of music I prefer, but when I am in a city and have time to look I search the music stores for records that I think are good. I have been quite fortunate in getting what pleases me, but occasionally I get one that I don't care for. The ones I like best have been bought in Weyburn and Regina. I joined our local Seniors club, the Midale 39ers and do enjoy playing cards one afternoon a week.