Snowbound memory frozen in time vintage ears REPORTS of rotten weather all across the country reminded me how fucky we are in this piace not to have to deal with cyclones and deep freezes and blizzards and tornados. In truth, the only one of those hostilities I have ever myself experienced was a bliz- zard, a true terrifying bliz- zard, and I only seven years old.(Attached to this story is _ the corollary that nothing in life is accidental.) This was in the Peace _ River country, and the one- pouseBounp, roomed school we §rst attended was in Pouce Coupe. Our family has lived in a borrowed house aimese next door to the school izam the day we arrived in September, but after a couple of months the house that was originally intended for our use became ready. This house was some two or three miles from the vil- fage where the school lay. We perhaps were released early this day I am telling you about because of rumor of an oncoming storm. At any rate, the storm broke in full fury when my sister and T had made maybe a mile, trudging head down, she, the eldest and strongest, in the lead and taking the wind’s brunt to some extent. The snow got thicker and thicker and visibility was zilch. We'd already had this walk home several times, but this situation was very scary =- it was a proper white-out. We couidn’t see any fences. We “ My heart tells me they were angels. My head says they were simply passing through and we were on their way. ” couldn’t see any kind of tracks leading in what we sup- posed was our direction, and we were both after a very short time totally plastered with blowing snow and smack up against 2 barbed-wire fence and properly lost. Suddenly out of the snow curtain behind us we heard small bells close at hand and we could make out the shape of a small cutter. It pulled up ICBC CLAIMS beside us. Peering through the snow we could see neo gentlemen under buffalo robes, Where were we head- ed, they wanted to know, and all we could say was “home.” So they bundled us into the cutter, covered us over and away we went, until finally out of the wall of snow emerged tie red bulk of our barn. The men let us down at our gate and waved as they disappeared behind the snow curtain, Well, our mother, quite frantic, having struggled out to the gate several times, and not having any idea how to come to our aid, was very relieved and very glad to see us burt also very keen to thank the men who had come so magically to our rescue. We described them to her and te our stepfather when he arrived, bur really with toques on their heads and bundled in heavy clothing as they were, we in fact had no idea how to describe them. They spoke English, they did- o’t use any bad language, they talked to cach other, not to us, and neither Dorothy nor J had paid any attention. We were just grateful for sanctuary and longing to get home. fe had no neighbors to quer We had, of course, met no other people on «ur little journey. Our stepfatlier asked about them in the town bur they stirred no associations and no one recalled seeing them pass. Usually in a town that size every bady and every vehicle was closely scrutinized, even familiar ones, just for the chance of a chat. My heart tells me they were angels. My head says they were simply passing through and we were on their way. Stephen Wong Pharmacist CAPSULE COMMENTS New powerful heartburn med- ications are on the market in { North America (eg. Pepcid -_ AC). These work very well but} a shouldn't be used regularly for more than rwo weeks. Overuse, _ may mask a problem more seri- ous than heartburn. Check with your doctor or pharmacist, Medical milestone: It was back in 1890 thar surgeons ar Johns | Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore f began using rubber gloves dur- § f ing surgery. Free Parking Free Delivery for Pharmacy’ Prescriptions DAVIES PHARMACY 1401 St. Georges 985-877) 8771 Protect yourself Hire an experienced ICBC Claims Lawyer JOHN NOBLE 669-9755 Free House Calls Sunday, February 16th, 1997 1:00 #o 4:00 pa North Shore antique dealers and the professional staff of the North and West Vancouver Museums & chives otis on your heidlooms and treasures. What ore they, where did they originate, ofid how best should you core for them? $10.00 per participant, maximum of two pieces. Bring smail items with you, or photographs of larger items.” - Please register in advance using the coupon. (Preference will be given fa pretegistered posticipants.) General admission is $2.00 for visitors wishing to observe. For further information contect the West Vancouver Museum and Archives, 925-7295 o+ the North Vancouver Museum and Archives ot 987-5618. This community event is 0 fundraiser for the Worth aud West Vancouver Museums & Archives. Supported by the North Shore Antique deolers ond the AA ntique G Collectibles Show Cijeweltery C] chins/glassware Csiher D farnitare Clrugstentle Dosher . Mail, fax, or drop your entry off in person to: Vancouver Telephone Company 1035 Cambie Street Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5L7 Fax: 664-0997 POSTAL CODE PHONE # COUNTRY OR CITY YOU PHONE THE MOST Escape the Time Bandits with VANCOUVER TELEPHONE Description of Items 1) __ COMPANY “ 2) Call 664-0860 Open to all Lower Mainland Residents. (Must be 19 and older.) Address Phone Draw Date: February 15, 1997 Participation fee $10.00 per participant, maximum 2 pieces. Please mail coupon with cheque to West Yancouver Museum & Archives, 680-17th Street, West Vancouver, V7V 3T2 Registration deadline — February 7. Please register carly!