The first 2024 volunteer arrived in the cold of January—it stranded him in Vancouver and then in Lloydminster. He did get a warm reception at Winning Ways and had some great adventures. I think Winning Ways received over 30 international volunteers during 2024.  There were still a few days of the year when I ran the Ranch solo and was very appreciative of the local volunteers at those times.  

The international visitors have many adventures while they experience ranching at Winning Ways. Some of the crews got to go dancing, at different times & in different venues. One crew built a snowman.  Others got to go kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding and saw moose and  bears.  During the summer some of the helpers got to play in the water at Jumbo Beach, others got to enjoy belly dancing, others watched Indian Relay Racing, and yet others attended Pow Wows. Some of the volunteers put their creative talents to good use and created barnyard bouquets of lilacs. Amanda invited all of us to attend the Remembrance Day service. 

There were many parties at Knottacloo Farms, music jams at the local library, a Multi-cultural Day with a Feast, and Winning Ways own “Play ‘til the Sun goes down” to celebrate Summer Solstice. The crew went to concerts and rodeos, climbed the stairs to the only prairie light house, and some even went to church!  The opportunities to socialize are varied and allow volunteers to learn about the different cultures here in Northwest Saskatchewan.  I try to permit the volunteers to see and do as many different activities as possible. No matter the season I find some new adventure for the crew to engage in.

Volunteers get to do lots of things with horses too.

I love those puzzling pictures that ask you to find that which is not like the others.  Can you spot it?

The helpers, my friends and I enjoyed several “tea parties” at the Bury’s during 2024.  If you are aware that John is from England, and that “tea” is a formal occasion over there, then you might enjoy the humour of the tea parties at Knottacloo Farms.  Jackie loves to celebrate any occasion that presents itself.

Over the winter Winning Ways hosted several educational sessions dubbed the “Horse Owners Forum” .  Local horse enthusiasts came out to learn about horsemanship and horse care.

Sometimes Winning Ways holds events that involve bonfires.  This one was for St Patrick’s Day.

Then I organized the “Play ‘til the Sun goes down” event for the longest day of the year.  We had musicians join us and the crew on horseback added ambience to the setting.

Several of us became septuagenarians this year. (And Kelton became a quadragenarian!)  I was blessed with 3 birthday celebrations!  One on Labour Day weekend with my family, one at Amazing Horse Country in October with my friends AND one on the actual day of birth in November.  I have had many different flavors and types of cakes to enjoy, and I want to once again thank all those folks who produced those confections. 

Amanda F (my niece) returned several times this year to benefit from the stress relief that a visit to Winning Ways provides.  Amanda is now a Registered Nurse in CardioSciences at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. (She will continue to need stress relief with that position!)  Sometimes she brought Paul, her boyfriend, with her.  Paul is in the process of immigrating to Canada, now that he has completed his education in Germany.  He usually gets to do some mechanic work when he visits the Ranch.

Amanda B LOVES the little ponies and has lots of fun with them.  She helped with several of our efforts to improve CC’s leg and takes CC for walks when it’s not inclement.  Mr Big is not forgotten, and he and Missy get to go for an occasional driving adventure.  Amanda continues to be in the quadragenarian crowd, and we celebrated her birthday with a trail ride and a birthday supper with cup cakes.

Howard Brown has had many trips to Saskatoon for medical check ups and procedures in 2024.  Thankfully his brother, Bob, has been able to ensure that Brownie travels safely and as comfortably as possible.  Brownie was in Saskatoon on his birthday, so we did not get to celebrate the day with him.  However, he was in good spirits for the Labour Day weekend party, at which we could celebrate his birthday.

I think by now you are aware how important it is to let YOUR light shine, just like the candles on the birthday cakes light up the eyes of those who celebrate the birthday.  You can light up someone’s day with a smile, a kind word, even a simple “Thank You.”  Recognizing the humans around us are all being the best version of themselves that they are presently able to be, is gifting others with light. Please use your light, your kindness, your care and concern to bring MORE LIGHT INTO THE WORLD.

It is my wish  that all those who read this narrative have had their day brightened.  Possibly a chuckle escaped you, as you watched the silly sheep, you may have felt connection with those who saw the Auroras or perhaps you learned a wee bit more about the origin of the Northern Lights.  I hope everyone has seen a light in the darkness this fall.

May the days ahead bring you love, peace and light. 

Much appreciation is sent to all my family, friends and critters who make my days light-filled!

‘til our trails cross again,

Kelly