I took a picture of one of our sunflowers yesterday. It’s a real beauty, shining like our own little sun, even on a cloudy day. I thought I would share!

Click on the image to get a good look!

Good Morning!

Old Truths: In the country, you measure your wealth by the size of your garden, not your bank account.

We’re starting off with a few clouds this morning here in cottage country, but we will see some sunshine off and on throughout the day. We’ve also had a few showers lately, which our tomatoes really needed. Up here in the north, with the soil being mostly sandy in certain areas, it doesn’t take long for things to dry out. And when that happens, well… we need more rain. That’s why it’s important to always have water on hand. As with everything in life, it’s best to have a backup plan. My wife and I have lived by that principle all our lives, and it’s paid off many a time.

Highway 522 was unusually quiet over the weekend, but in saying that it did give my lovely wife some free time to prepare a bunch of our tomatoes for winter. I have to say, this year has been one of the best for tomatoes—they’re so sweet and tasty that I’ve been eating them daily. With our long winters ahead, it’ll be nice to have them tucked away in the freezer ready to enjoy. The ones you buy in the stores today just don’t have any flavor at all.

It’s a real shame how bad things have gotten with our fruits and vegetables in the stores, especially in the winter. We’re relying too much on other countries for our produce, when we should be growing more of it ourselves here in Canada. What’s even more concerning is the trend of building homes on our prime farmland. There are plenty of other places to build homes without taking away our good soil, which we’ll need more than ever if we want to have fresh, local produce in the future.

Bug Report: Everything is good in that department these days. No one should have any complaints.

As I mentioned earlier, my wife kept busy yesterday, putting up some of our tomatoes and vegetables for winter. Meanwhile, with the rain coming down, I stayed inside and worked at my computer, writing up stories for the weekly columns I do. I like to keep a few extras on hand, and it was a good day for writing.

With that I am off for some pancakes this morning that my lovely wife has prepared for me and after that, well… we will see what is in store. One just never knows.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this to ponder on: “Smart living isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about knowing when to ask the right questions—and when to just laugh.”

Fishing Times for Monday
08/12/24

Major Times
5:53 AM-7:53 AM
6:16 PM-8:16 PM

Minor Times
2:15 PM-3:15 PM
11:08 PM-12:08 AM

Day Rating: I give it a 1-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Not the greatest day for fishing. Good Luck Though!

Advice from an Old Angler: Casting too hard can tangle your line or scare away the fish. I’ve always told my boys…. “Fishing’s not a competition—if you’re overcasting, you’re just making more work for yourself!”

Remember, it’s the simple things that often bring the most joy. Take care out there! “GW”

Here is a plant that everyone should be growing.

My wife loves summer savory. She grows it right in our garden and uses it in all sorts of dishes. A bit in her soups and stews really helps with digestion, cutting down on any bloating or gas. She also finds it useful for minor cuts and scrapes because of its antimicrobial properties.

Click on image to enlarge!

Its anti-inflammatory effects are also great for easing aches and pains. She loves adding it to bean dishes, meats, and veggies. Sometimes, she makes a soothing tea from it to settle her stomach. For sore muscles, she infuses it into oil and uses it for a comforting rub. Truth told; “Summer savory is not just a tasty addition to meals—it’s a real health booster, too.” Oh, and it will pretty well grow anywhere there is lots of sun. But you need to keep it watered, especially after planting, not too much though.

Good Morning!

Food For Thought: “If at first you don’t succeed, try doing it the way your wife suggested.”

It’s a cloudy morning here in cottage country, but the good news is the rain has stopped. However, even though we should see some sunshine, there is a slight chance of a shower throughout the day. Let’s hope not, as we have had our share of rain this summer. Rain is good, but too much can cause issues, especially for us who like growing our own vegetables. So far, though, our gardens are making out okay.

Highway 522 was really busy yesterday, along with our gift shop. Truth be told, we didn’t have a minute to sit down, with folks dropping by one after another. Not complaining, mind ya, as it sure is nice to see and talk to folks. All in all, it was a great day.

Bug Report: All is well in that department which should make the campers, day trippers, tourists and cottagers happy.

On another note: Today is mowing day for my wife and I, which will probably take up most of the morning. After that if the sun shows herself… I am thinking some front porch sittin’ will be in order.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is preparing. After that, I’ll see if our old mowers will run. One never knows how they are going to react—like trying to predict the weather or a teenager’s mood!

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but you can always bribe him with treats.” Woof!!

Fishing Times for Thursday
07/25/24

Major Times
3:54 AM-5:54 AM
4:18 PM-6:18 PM BEST!

Minor Times
10:31 AM-11:31 AM
10:48 PM-11:48 PM

Day Rating: Again, it’s not the greatest day for fishing. I give it a 1-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Top-water poppers are great for catching them large mouth bass. Cast near cover/lily pads, and give sharp, quick jerks to make a popping sound. Fish can’t resist checking it out. Just remember, when that bass explodes, wait a second before setting the hook—let ’em really grab it.

Some have asked where I write in our home. It’s all about comfort.

Click on image to enlarge!

Escaping the Social Media Quicksand with a Dash of Humor

In a world where social media platforms have become our digital playgrounds, the real question that arises is, “What comes next?” Are we slowly morphing into a society that relies more on scrolling than strolling, and double-tapping rather than double-checking? It’s time to take a humorous yet truthful look at the social media frenzy that’s swept us off our feet, and how we can regain control of our lives.

#HashtagHijinks: The Social Media Stratosphere

Oh, the magical land of hashtags and filters, where a humble selfie can transform into a glamorous portrait with a swipe and a click. We’ve all seen it—friends contorting their faces into ungodly shapes, all in the name of finding that perfect selfie angle. But let’s face it, folks, we’re not all aspiring models, and the world can only handle so many pouty lips and smoldering gazes.

Reality Check: FOMO vs. JOMO

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) has become our digital arch-nemesis. We’re constantly bombarded with images of friends’ fabulous vacations, gourmet meals, and picture-perfect lives. But wait, isn’t that just one corner of their lives, meticulously curated for likes and comments? It’s time to embrace the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO). Put down the phone, step out into the real world, and discover that life isn’t just about the highlights reel—it’s about embracing the messy, unfiltered moments.

Self(ie)-Discovery: A Journey Back to Reality

In a world where a carefully constructed online persona reigns supreme, it’s easy to forget who we really are. Have you ever seen a photo of yourself and thought, “Do I really look like that?” Maybe it’s time to leave behind the Snapchat filters and come face-to-face with the real, unfiltered you. Remember, the quirks and imperfections are what make you uniquely beautiful.

Escaping the Digital Quicksand: Take Back Your Life

So, what comes next after social media saturation? It’s high time we rekindle our relationship with reality. Start by setting time limits for your scrolling sessions—because let’s be honest, you don’t need to know what your aunt’s neighbor’s dog had for breakfast. Engage in activities that don’t involve screens—read a book, go for a walk, try cooking a new recipe (and hey, sharing it online is optional!).

The Punchline: Life is Calling, and It’s Not a DM

In the grand sitcom of life, social media might be a recurring punchline, but it’s not the main act. The real question isn’t just “What comes next?” but also “What’s happening now?” Let’s pause the meme marathon, step away from the cat videos, and reclaim our time for genuine experiences, real laughter, and in-person connections.

So, the next time you’re about to post a photo of your avocado toast, remember this: life’s most precious moments aren’t filtered or cropped. They’re raw, unedited, and waiting for you beyond the screen. It’s time to log off and live on—because the only thing better than a viral tweet is a life well-lived.

In a world of likes, let’s love our lives offline. It’s time to press “unfollow” on the digital realm and hit “like” on the world outside our screens.

The Love-Hate Relationship Between Media and Government – It’s Complicated!”

Subtitle: “A Comedic Exploration of How Journalists and Politicians Tango Through Tumultuous Times”

Introduction: Ah, the news media and the government – like peanut butter and jelly, Batman and Robin, or Monday mornings and a good cup of coffee. Their relationship is a dance as intricate as a salsa routine, as dramatic as a soap opera, and as confusing as trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions. In this whimsical exposé, we unravel the tangled web of their “mutually beneficial” partnership, proving that sometimes, the truth is stranger than fiction.

Act 1: The Dramatic Tango of Crisis Creation: Imagine a world without crises – no sensational headlines, no anxious viewers glued to their screens, and worst of all, no politicians with an audience to impress. The horror! Enter the news media, with their trusty magnifying glass, seeking out specks of drama even in the dullest of situations. Need to spice up a story about a lost cat? Suddenly, it’s “Breaking News: Feline Phenomenon Grips the Nation!” The government officials, meanwhile, gleefully watch the media circus unfold, rubbing their hands together in anticipation of their time in the spotlight.

Act 2: The Grand Illusion of Response: Government officials have a responsibility – nay, a duty – to appear as though they’re responding decisively to crises. Think of them as magicians, pulling rabbits out of hats (or policies out of thin air). The media plays along, eager to capture the heroic moment when our leaders swoop in to save the day. Whether it’s declaring war on the menace of rogue squirrels or promising to eradicate the ominous bubble gum shortage, politicians are quick to seize the opportunity for a photo op, complete with a stern gaze into the camera that screams, “I’m here to fix things!”

Act 3: The Mythmaking Mambo: As the tango intensifies, so does the mythmaking. Journalists and politicians spin tales more convoluted than a season finale of a binge-worthy TV show. Suddenly, a garden variety traffic jam becomes a national crisis of epic proportions – “Traffic Armageddon: The Day the Commuters Stood Still.” And don’t even get us started on the labyrinthine narratives politicians construct to explain why they were seen exiting a donut shop at 3 AM while advocating for healthier eating.

Act 4: The Cosmic Collision of Self-Interest: In this cosmic dance, self-interest reigns supreme. Journalists need sensational stories to boost their ratings, secure their jobs, and maybe even get that coveted Pulitzer. Meanwhile, politicians yearn for reelection, striving to convince the masses that they alone possess the secret formula to solve all of society’s ills. It’s a collision of ego, ambition, and the perpetual craving for validation, all wrapped up in a glitzy package of sensational headlines.

Conclusion: So, there you have it – a backstage pass to the greatest show on Earth, where the news media and the government twirl and twist, each fueling the other’s insatiable appetite for attention. Whether it’s a joint fabrication or a genuine crisis, one thing’s for sure: this dance isn’t ending anytime soon. So, dear reader, the next time you catch a glimpse of a politician dramatically patting a firefighter’s back while the camera zooms in, or witness a journalist turning a minor hiccup into an apocalyptic ordeal, remember the intricate tango they’re performing for your entertainment. And who knows, maybe someday we’ll see them on “Dancing with the Stars: Media vs. Government Edition” – because when it comes to outlandish spectacles, they’ve certainly earned their spot in the limelight!

Title: Oh Canada! Let’s Rally for Rights and Rediscover ‘Made in Canada, Grown in Canada’

Canada, the land of maple syrup, ice hockey, and endless politeness. But hey, Canucks, it’s time to put down those cups of Tim Hortons and take a moment to reflect on the state of affairs. We’ve got a situation on our hands that’s more urgent than debating the best poutine toppings – it’s about our rights and the glorious ‘Made in Canada, Grown in Canada’ concept that seems to have been snoozing lately.

1. Rise Up, Eh!

Alright, fellow Canucks, picture this: a sea of Canadians standing shoulder to shoulder, united by the belief that our rights are worth fighting for. If we can line up for Black Friday deals, we can definitely line up to protect our rights, can’t we? It’s like defending the honor of hockey, but with less body checking and more legal prowess.

2. We’re Talking Aboot Rights, Eh?

You know those rights you have, like freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, and the power to binge-watch all the Canadian TV shows you want? Yeah, those ones. They’re like the secret recipe to our national poutine – essential, irreplaceable, and worth guarding.

3. Sorry, Not Sorry

Imagine a Canada where we don’t just apologize for everything, but also take action to preserve our rights and values. It’s time to swap those polite nods for assertive headshakes when we see our rights being nibbled away. Let’s show the world that we’re not just nice, we’re also fiercely protective of our identity.

4. The Ghost of ‘Made in Canada, Grown in Canada’

Remember the days when ‘Made in Canada, Grown in Canada’ wasn’t just a catchy phrase but a badge of honor? We used to wear it with pride, like a beaver on a hockey jersey. But somewhere along the way, we started chasing shiny foreign goods and imported delicacies. It’s time to resurrect that spirit and support our local artisans, farmers, and manufacturers.

5. From Poutine to Patriotism

Eating a poutine made with Canadian cheese curds and gravy that oozes national pride – that’s the feeling we’re aiming for. Let’s channel the same enthusiasm into our rights and the products made on our home turf. It’s not just about consuming, it’s about championing Canadian excellence.

6. The Battle of Wit and Wisdom

Humor and wit have always been our strong suits, whether it’s cracking jokes about our weather or poking fun at our overuse of the word ‘eh.’ Let’s harness that humor to shed light on the serious issues we face. The world needs to see that we’re not just about politeness, we’re about standing up and being heard.

7. A Tearful Ode to the Good Ol’ Days

Remember those heartfelt ‘o Canada’ moments at hockey games? Let’s have a similar moment of reflection. Shed a tear for the times when ‘Made in Canada, Grown in Canada’ wasn’t just a slogan but a way of life. Let that tear fuel our determination to reclaim our rights and our pride in Canadian products.

So, fellow Canadians, it’s time to put on our toques, roll up our sleeves, and remind the world why we’re known for more than just our syrupy sweetness. Let’s stand up for our rights, embrace the ‘Made in Canada, Grown in Canada’ philosophy, and show the world that when push comes to shove, we’re not just apologetic – we’re unapologetically Canadian!

Title: “Why Fix What Ain’t Broke? Government Knows Best…or Do They?”

Howdy there, folks! Pull up a hay bale and lend an ear ’cause we’re gonna talk about a topic as old as the hills – government stickin’ their noses where they don’t belong! Now, I ain’t no fancy-pants politician, but I reckon it’s high time we had a chat ’bout why the government ain’t exactly cut out to be our life coaches.

You see, us folks out in the fields know a thing or two ’bout keepin’ things simple. We tend to our crops, raise our critters, and keep our fences mended. We don’t need some suit-wearin’ bigwig tellin’ us how to run our own show. It’s like the government’s playin’ farmer, tryin’ to milk a bull – it just ain’t gonna work!

Now, I ain’t sayin’ government folks don’t mean well. Bless their hearts, they might think they’ve got all the answers, but let me tell ya – when they start meddlin’ in our affairs, it’s like watchin’ a chicken try to play the fiddle. It might look amusing, but it ain’t gonna make sweet music.

I reckon it’s like when Cousin Jeb tried to teach his ol’ dog to fetch the newspaper. Doggone it, that pup chewed up half the yard before Jeb realized he’d been barkin’ up the wrong tree. It’s the same with the government – they start messin’ with things they don’t rightly understand, and next thing ya know, we’re all knee-deep in regulations and rules.

Now, humor me a bit here. Imagine if the government decided to run a rodeo. First off, they’d have us ridin’ cows instead of bulls ’cause, ya know, they’re less aggressive or somethin’. Then they’d have a “bureaucracy barrel racing” event where you gotta fill out forms at every turn. And don’t forget the “tax deduction roping” – lassoin’ those dollars faster than a steer on a caffeine binge!

But here’s the kicker – just ’cause they’re runnin’ the show, don’t mean they know how to ride. It’s like puttin’ a city slicker on a wild stallion and expectin’ ’em to win the Kentucky Derby. No amount of speeches and fancy suits can replace good ol’ hands-on experience.

So, my point is this: government’s like a rusty tractor tryin’ to plow a field already tilled and thriving. We don’t need ’em to tell us how to live our lives or what’s good for us. We ain’t sheep needin’ a shepherd; we’re independent thinkers who know the lay of our own land.

Now, don’t get me wrong – we ain’t pitchfork-wielding rebels here. We believe in laws and order, but let’s keep things sensible. Let the government handle what they’re good at – fixin’ roads, keepin’ the peace, and lettin’ us be the proud stewards of our own destiny.

So, next time you see a politician tryin’ to tell you what’s best, just smile, tip your hat, and kindly remind ’em that while they might know how to filibuster, we know how to farmbuster. After all, you can’t grow corn by reciting the Constitution – you gotta get your hands dirty and work the land.

Stay wise and stay true, my friends! Until next time, keep plowin’ your own furrows and leavin’ the bureaucrats to their paperwork rodeos.

In the quaint little farmhouse nestled on the rolling hills, an old farmer named Henry sat on the front porch, his weathered hands resting on the creaky wooden armrest. Beside him, his wife Margaret, her once chestnut hair now silver, gazed out at the sprawling fields that stretched as far as the eye could see. They had been married for over fifty years, a lifetime of shared memories and hard work.

“Margaret,” Henry began with a twinkle in his eye, “remember when we first started farming these lands? No fancy machines, just our hands and a stubborn mule named Bessie.”

Margaret chuckled softly, her eyes creasing at the corners. “Oh, I do, Henry. And those were the days, weren’t they? We worked from dawn till dusk, but there was a kind of freedom in it, a connection to the land.”

“Aye,” Henry nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. “Nowadays, you can’t plow a field without filling out a dozen forms and waiting for some government inspector to give you the green light.”

Margaret sighed, her gaze turning wistful. “I miss the simplicity, the smell of the earth in the morning. Now it’s all about pesticides, regulations, and market prices.”

Henry’s brows furrowed. “And don’t even get me started on those crop quotas. We used to plant what we wanted, when we wanted. Now it’s like they’re telling us how many potatoes we’re allowed to grow!”

They shared a knowing look, a mixture of sadness and amusement passing between them.

“But you know, Margaret,” Henry continued, a mischievous glint in his eye, “I heard they’re thinking of regulating the number of chickens a farmer can have next. Can you imagine? ‘Sorry, Mr. Farmer, you’ve exceeded your cluck limit for the year!'”

Margaret burst into laughter, her melodious chuckles filling the air. “Oh, Henry, you always know how to make me smile. Even in the face of all these changes.”

Henry leaned back in his chair, a contented sigh escaping his lips. “Well, my dear, we may not have as much freedom as we used to, but we’ve still got each other and a lifetime of stories to share.”

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the fields, Henry and Margaret sat side by side, their fingers entwined. The world around them may have changed, but their love and shared memories remained steadfast.

“Remember that time the cows got loose and ended up in the mayor’s garden?” Margaret reminisced, a playful glint in her eye.

“Oh, how could I forget?” Henry chuckled. “That was a sight to behold! The mayor chasing after those cows with his hat in hand.”

They laughed heartily, the sound carrying across the fields, a testament to the enduring bond they shared. And as the stars began to twinkle in the evening sky, Henry and Margaret continued to swap stories, finding solace and joy in each other’s company, even amidst the ever-changing landscape of farming.

For, as they both knew, the rules and regulations may come and go, but the love they had cultivated over fifty years was a harvest that would never wither.

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy, rainy day here in Cottage Country. The rain started early this morning and by the looks of things it will remain with us till … tomorrow. But I am not complaining, as we sure need it with things being so dry. We can talk about global warming, but I think nature has its own way. No matter what we do, nature will follow its own path. This can be good, because some people who claim to know what’s best for the Earth might actually be causing more harm. I don’t mean they’re making the weather worse, but their efforts to help the planet might be hurting the people who live on it.

Highway 522 has picked up a wee bit as yesterday our gift shop was really busy with a steady stream of folks dropping by checking things out. We had a real good day to say the least.

But Report: Everything is good in that department, working outside for the past few days I haven’t seen hardly a one.

On another note. Yesterday I worked all day in the old woodworking shop on a new fly through bird feeding station. It turned out nice. I took a couple pictures which I will share with you at the bottom of this post. I have made a lot of them over the years, all sizes shapes and forms, but the one I just made I found to be the best of the lot. And I have to tell ya, it will entertain a lot of birds. Actually, I had a couple that dropped by yesterday while I was doing the final touches and asked if I would make them one. Of course, I said yes and will get to that in a day or so. The only thing is with the price of lumber these days it costs a bit for material to make them. At the moment, figuring everything in, it comes to $225.00 each which for its size isn’t all that bad and yes I can make them smaller if need be for a bit less.

Today, being that it is raining, I kind of figure it will be a good day to clean up the mess I made yesterday in my shop and after that I will bug my lovely wife while she is making our preserves for winter, along with getting together some stories for a new book, which when finished will mean I have 8 published books for sale. A lot of people have been asking when I am going to write another. But back on the subject of doing up preservers for winter/freezing.

You know, I have found, over the years, that eating fruits and vegetables that you grow at home or bought from a real farmer, not a fellow that sells fruits and vegetables that they don’t grow themselves, is really important for your health. They are packed with vitamins and nutrients that help your body stay strong and keep you feeling good.

Why? Well, when you grow your own fruits and veggies, you know exactly what goes into them. No mysterious chemicals or strange stuff – just pure, fresh goodness. Plus, they taste so much better than store-bought ones. Especially that imported stuff that they are forcing upon us these days. Not a good thing, my friends.

With that, I am off for a boiled egg and a piece of toast with brown molasses sugar. Can’t beat a breakfast like that to get the old body wanting to get out there and do some work. Okay, the brown sugar is questionable, but hey … the molasses is sure good for ya!

Wishing you all the best! GW

In the past, I used to relish eating homemade butter that Laura, the lady that raised me, would prepare for our meals.

However, to truly understand how good it tasted, you’d have to taste it for yourself. Simply put, it was incredibly satisfying and addictive.

Although creating it required some effort, the end result was definitely worth it, especially since purchasing store-bought butter was beyond our financial means.

We would begin by milking the cows, and once that was complete, we would take the milk and place it in the separator, a device that separated the milk’s cream from the rest of the liquid. Not a motorized one either, because at the time, hand power was all we had.

After gathering the cream, we would take it indoors and place it inside an old wooden churn. A churn is a device that farmers used back in the day to turn cream into butter.

The churn itself is usually made of wood, and it has a tall, cylindrical shape with a handle on top. Inside the churn, there’s a paddle or dasher that’s attached to the handle. When you turn the handle, the paddle moves up and down, agitating the cream and causing it to thicken, forming solid butter. The liquid that’s left over is called buttermilk. Which is very tasty in itself, especially when chilled and drunk on a hot day.

Once the butter is formed, it’s removed from the churn and then washed and worked to remove any remaining liquid. After that, it’s ready to be salted or flavoured to taste.

I remember one time when Laura and I were making butter together, and something caught my attention. The butter we churned during the winter didn’t have the typical yellow color that I was used to, so I asked her about it. She explained to me that it was because the house was cold, and the butter tends to lose its color in such conditions.

To fix the issue with the butter’s color, she revealed that she had a trick up her sleeve: and halfway through churning, she took a hot poker from the stove and dipped it into the butter. This surprised me as I saw that simply heating up the cream caused the butter to regain some of its color. 

She then mentioned that she could add some carrot juice to the butter if the colour still wasn’t quite right, but emphasized the importance of adding the right amount. Nonetheless, she reassured me … that even if the butter didn’t look perfect, it would still taste fantastic.

You know, as I look back on those days, I realize that the wisdom and guidance of those fine old folks were the foundation of the happiness and contentment I enjoyed. 

Their teachings still are firmly placed in my mind and guide me through life’s ups and downs. I am forever grateful for their presence in my life, and I am happy to  pass on their wisdom to others, just as they did for me.

Listening to old timers talking many years ago.

Sitting on the porch of the quaint old farmhouse, Harold and Frank sipped their cold beers, the checkers board set up between them. The sun was starting to set, casting a warm glow over the fields they had toiled in for fifty long years.

Harold, with a twinkle in his eye, looked at Frank and said, “You know, Frank, back in our younger days, we were as spry as those rabbits over yonder. We could work from dawn ’til dusk without breaking a sweat!”

Frank chuckled and replied, “Ah, those were the days, Harold! I remember when we could carry those bales of hay like they were feathers. Now, a sack of potatoes feels like a ton!”

They both took a moment to laugh heartily, reminiscing about their youthful vigor. Then Harold’s face turned serious as he looked out over the horizon. “But you know, Frank, it’s not just our backs that have changed. It’s this whole world around us.”

Frank nodded in agreement, his weathered hands slowly moving a checker piece across the board. “You’re right, Harold. Technology has come a long way. Remember how we used to plow the fields with those stubborn mules? Now, they have machines that do it faster than we ever could!”

Harold smirked, “Aye, and let’s not forget about those confounded cell phones! Back in our day, if you wanted to talk to someone, you hollered from the porch, and they could hear you all the way across the farm!”

They both chuckled at the thought of their old communication methods. “And remember when the cows would escape, and we’d have to chase ’em all over the place?” Frank added. “Nowadays, they got electric fences that keep ’em in line.”

Harold leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of his beer. “You know, Frank, with all these gadgets and gizmos, sometimes I feel like we’re becoming obsolete!”

Frank raised an eyebrow, “Oh, don’t you go thinking that way, Harold. There’s wisdom in our years that no machine can replace. We know how to read the signs of the weather by the way the wind blows, and we can mend a fence that’s been in the family for generations.”

“You’re right, my friend,” Harold nodded. “There’s a lifetime of experience in these hands. It’s not just about knowing how to work the land, but understanding its rhythms and respecting its ways.”

They fell into a moment of thoughtful silence before Frank let out a hearty laugh, slapping the checkers board. “Enough of these serious talks! It’s time for you to make your move, old man!”

Harold grinned mischievously, “Oh, you’re in for it now, Frank. You know, all those years of farming have given me a strategic mind!”

And so, the two old timers continued their checkers game, sharing stories of their farming adventures and swapping jokes as the sun dipped below the horizon. In their laughter and camaraderie, they found solace in knowing that despite all the changes, some things remained constant – the bond of friendship, the joy of shared memories, and the wisdom of a life well-lived.

Over the years I have indulged in different drinks. And truth be told, I have enjoyed most of them.

In my younger days, there wasn’t anything that quenched my thirst better than a soda.

However, thing’s has changed a lot over the years, especially when it comes to the container that holds the Liquid Candy. 

That’s what some called it back when.

Most containers back when were made from glass, and thinking about that they had some pretty fancy ones too. 

From tall to short, fancy lettering, to just plain, they had them all.

I can remember going into what they used to call a Soda Fountain. There you could get a sandwich, hot dog, ice-cream, and sodas of all kinds.

My favorite was a Cherry Coke Float mixed with ice-cream, and blended to a set texture that would be hard to copy today.

I have to tell you they were definitely tasty.

I also enjoyed the environment that I got when walking into the place. Right away you would see a bar, something like in the old Hotels they had at the time.

Actually, they made me feel like a grown up. As I could walk in and sit myself down at the bar on a stool, swirling myself around in a circle, while chatting away to the Soda Jerk. 

Most had a nice personality, and it seemed it didn’t matter what you wanted to talk about, that Soda Jerk had an answer for everything. 

I honestly don’t know how he did it.

His job consisted of working at the soda fountain, swinging the soda fountain handle back and forth when adding soda water to a fountain beverage. 

They prepared some of the best milkshakes I have ever tasted, along with other treats, using mixers, that featured spindles and agitators, that forced air into the drinks.

When them machines finished doing what they were made to do, the drinks came out smooth and fluffy. 

The next thing I enjoyed was watching how they took the steel container, pouring the milkshake, or whatever into tall glasses.

It sure was a sight to see, let me tell ya. My mouth still waters thinking about it.

You know! I could sit and watch the feller make them drinks for hours.

And the best part was, that most of the time, they didn’t mind how long I sat there, either.

Yes … things have changed over the years, I grant you that. But to this date I have never found a place that could make a Cherry Coke Float like they used to many years ago.

Anyway now that I have all your taste buds flowing, there is one last thing that I would like to talk about today.

It’s about a feller I got to know while visiting our Cottage in Sarasota, Florida many years ago.

This fellow owned a gas station, and at the back of his store, he had over the years saved, literally, hundreds of different kinds of Coca-Cola Bottles.

When he first showed me, I would have never believed that there were so many kinds.

Quite a sight to see.

Anyway, I thought I would share that with you, if for nothing else than it might make you think twice before throwing certain things away.

He told me, today his collection is worth thousands of dollars.

Until the next time. You can reach George Walters at: [email protected]