Alarm Clock

Now I know most folks today have some kind of fancy alarm clock. Probably digital or maybe even one that wakes you by playing music. With them in mind I got to thinking of my younger days on the farm.

There was no such thing as an alarm clock, or at least one by today’s standards. On the dairy farm I was in bed at around 7:00 PM and looked forward to it. After a hard day out in the fields and looking after the critters, sleep didn’t take long in coming. I was usually up in the morning around 4:15 AM and my first chore of the day was bringing in firewood for the cook stove, along with splitting a bit of kindling. From there, it was off to the barn to help with the milking.

My alarm clock was a bit different from most folks had, mine was an old Red Rooster. I got to tell you, this rooster had a set of lungs on him that could have woken up a whole town, if there had been one close by. Most roosters only crow when the sun comes up, but for some reason this crazy old thing we had, was up and out on the fence at 4:15 every morning. The worst part was, that the spot he picked was right below my window. He saw a few of my shoes come flying out of the window at him, in my stay on the farm.

For years I tried to get Laura to make a rooster pot pie but she wouldn’t hear of it. I think the only reason they kept him around was just to bug me. I also figured that the darn thing just wanted a good laugh every morning.

I remember one morning, I was laying awake there in bed waiting for him to start his crowing but for some reason on this morning he didn’t. Kind of thought it was strange, as he’s never missed a morning since I moved there. Well, I got up and headed on over to the barn to have a look around but he was nowhere to be found. I then headed on out to the fence which he usually stood on and there he was laying on the ground, with blood all over the place. By looking at the tracks I soon seen that a fox had gotten to him. I thought he was a goner but after a bit more looking, I found he was still alive. He was messed up quite a bit and you could tell he must have put up quite a fight as there was feathers everywhere. I figured he gave that old fox a run for his money.

Well I picked him up and carried him back to the barn. He had one broken wing and a few cuts. Laura helped me fix him up and for the next few weeks I kept his wounds clean and fed him. He wouldn’t eat for a few days but he slowly came around. A couple weeks later he was his old self and I figured he would soon be back out on the fence in the mornings, waking me up. I have to say, I really missed his greetings, not that I would admit it to anyone.

A few more days went by and then one morning I was awoken by a familiar sound. I laid there awake and smiled, I was happy he was back to his old self. I went down stairs and to my surprise I found it was 4:30 AM. That old rooster got slipped up on his time, I thought. The next morning I waited for his call and darned if it wasn’t right on 4:30 AM again.

I got to talking to Reg about it and he said, “Well, I guess he figured since you mended and cared for him, he would let you sleep in an extra fifteen minutes in the mornings.”

“Maybe so,’ I said, “we will see what he does in the coming days.”

Time went by and every morning after that the old rooster never crowed till 4:30 AM, which was okay by me, as it saved me walking outside in my bare feet to get my shoes.

So there you have it, not your average alarm clock but very effective.

In Closing, I would Like To Wish You Well

My Favourite Pass Time

One of my favourite pass times over the years has been fishing. Doesn’t take much for me to drop what I am doing and head out on the water in hopes of pulling in a nice Pickerel or large mouth Bass. Especially if my friend Barry is available.
I don’t have anything fancy in the way of a boat, 14 foot deep wide aluminium with a 35 HP Johnston Motor. Older one brought over into Canada from the USA many years ago. The only thing I had to do was install a new steering cable as the old ones were about finished along with a touch of fresh paint.
For a pole I have one that my Dad bought for me in Florida many years ago. Just the right length for my boat along with having the right flex for pulling in the big ones. The reel was an old Shakespeare but the bearings went in it so bought a new Abu Garcia. No special reason other than it feels good and casts nice. Put a lot of fish in the boat with it over the years.
The one item if asked about, that is important would be the net. Over the years I have had numerous types mostly the netted type. Reason being that was all that was out there. Today though we have an assortment to choose from.
I never really paid it much attention till one day I hooked onto a nice size pike. Problems arose with the three hook lure getting tangled up in the net. Took me about a half an hour to get it out of the net and in doing so snagged my one finger. With that in mind I decided to look into what they had in the way of new nets.
After a bit of research I bought a Lucky Strike Basket Net Double rubber-coated to protect the scales of the fish as well as extra protection from hook tangles which is what I need. After that getting the fish and hooks from the net was a breeze.
I didn’t invest a whole pile of money buying lures, tackle boxes and things. For most parts I use live bait hooked onto simple different coloured lures. I do though have a few with my favourite being the many assortments of Cotton Cordell’s. Great lure which has sure caught the attention of many a fish.
Places I like to fish occur over a shoal and drop off areas. Seems the fish browse these areas more so than others. For years I used a small pail filled with cement with a hook attached onto the top. With it hooked to a rope I could easily drop it down into the water to find bottom. Over the years I have now found a number of places that the fish like to hang out and there isn’t too many days out fishing that I don’t hook onto a few.
New things now have come into view for finding the fish, shoals and drop off spots. Like the fish finder. I have to say I do have one bought for me by my sons one Christmas. Karl & Craig. Great item as long as I keep a supply of fresh batteries handy.
One last item that probably not many have on hand is a hook sharpener. The type I have is called, EZE-LAP S Pen Type Sharpener. Slips right into one’s shirt pocket, easy to get at. Nothing worse than out fishing with a hook that isn’t sharp. More fish have been lost from something as simple as that.
To finish things off I would like to share this quote that hangs outside our front door.
An old fisherman lives here…with the catch of his life.

In Closing I Would Like To Wish You Well.

Hi folks.  Starting today I will be adding one of my published stories for all to enjoy.  After today it will be posted every Saturday morning.  Many folks have asked if I could set this up so…what they asked for will take place.  Enjoy!

Alarms & Things

One item on the list of things that most folks have today, is an alarm clock to wake you up.
Back when I was young, my only alarm clock was an old rooster that crowed each morning just outside my window. Never had to change the batteries either. Only requirement needed to keep it working was a bit of feed once in a while.
Today I am very fortunate and don’t need to rely on an alarm clock, as I pretty much get up when I want. My wife and I don’t have an old rooster these days either, but living so far back in off the beaten trail as we do, we are often awakened by the birds at the crack of dawn, that gets to chattin’ back and forth just outside our bedroom window.
A modern way of waking up is a coffee maker with a timer on it. Set it before going to bed and come morning you are awakened with the aroma of fresh brewed coffee, just begging to be tasted.
My son Karl, has a radio alarm clock which awakes him each morning with music. Kind of nice, even has a snooze button you can hit in case you feel like an extra ten minutes. Only thing with that, every so often one hits the button too many times and that makes for an unhappy boss when arriving for work. Might pay for folks that have that kind of alarm, to place it away from the bed.
I see today they even got an alarm for those hard of hearing. You put it under your pillow and when you want to get up, it vibrates like a huge bowl of jelly, interesting to say the least.
Another interesting clock was a Cuckoo Clock. One of the first was made in Germany.
The wooden case was decorated with carved leaves and animals. Along with that it had an automation of the bird that appears through a small trap door while the clock is striking. The bird was often made to move as the clock strikes, typically by means of an arm that lifts the back of the carving. When the bird awoke to speak it made a cuckoo sound, one for each hour. Quite ingenious I thought and really pleasant to listen to while laying in bed come morning.
Another is the old chime clock ticking away, never ending, unless forgotten to be wound, each hour on the hour sending out a clang, clang, clang, so one knew exactly what time it was, no matter what part of the house they were in.
My most favourite though of them all, while growing up on the farm, was the old Owl. Laying in bed listening to him or her “Hoo-hoo-hoo-hooooo” to friends in the forest, was a sound that seemed to captivate ones mind, taking you to places without even being there.
Second of my favourites was the cooing of the morning doves, listening to them throughout the warm summers’ day, evening, or mornings, always brought a smile to my face, along with contentment that could never be told through words.
Yes morning comes to us all, a new day with all its splendour, always the same, but always new, just begging to be explored.

To purchase my books click here:  http://theoldcraftsman.com/blog/shop/

Just a note to say our new Health Book is now available for those that would like a copy.  It is called Nature’s Gateway To Health.  Great book with years in the making.   If your interested in  purchasing a copy the price is $20.00 and we have them here at our store in Port Loring Ontario. 11588 Highway 522.   If you would like them shipped to you it is another $5.00 a book. No tax on books.  You can reach us at 705-757-1640 or [email protected] 

Our new health book on Natural Healthing and Health is in the printers hands and we should have one last proof in my midst this weekend. If things look good I will get them printed up and should have them here in a couple weeks or less.  I will let you know as soon as they become available.  Going to be a great book, chocked full of information that will bring on ones health and keep you on a path of happiness and well being.  You can reach me at [email protected]

Yesterday marked the day of our Natural Health book being finished.  Six years in the making.  It is off to the printers now for a draft copy, then after that we will order what is needed.  When they are available for you to purchase I will let you know. For this I am happy, as now I can get away from this computer.  Sitting inside day after day isn’t the best thing a person can do.  But it needed doing.  Today I will rest up a touch, get my mind focusing back on what is important to me and getting outside more.  Enjoy your day.  You can reach me George Walters at [email protected]

Morning folks.  Well woke up to some heavy rain this morning.  We did need it but could stop if so chooses now.  Gardens and trees have had their drink for the day I would think.  Temperatures waking up were sitting at;  12.9 C | 55.22 F.  Still a touch cool for this time of year.

Forecast For Today:  Stormy, much rain throughout the day.

Bug Report:  Well not many out there this morning, just a few die hard mosquitoes wanting to bug folks.  Blackflies are gone pretty well now for the season.  Doesn’t hurt my feelings one bit to see them go neither.

Fishing Times:   This morning the old weather stick is drooping a bit with all the rain but it is still holding up its end of the predicting.  It is saying that the best time to be out there will be from 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM.  Once later in the afternoon from: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM and then one more time from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM.  So lots of time to do some fishing but one might need an umbrella or rain coat. I give it a 2 fish rating out of 4 for catching them  Not the greatest day for pulling them in.  But I do wish you good luck if you are determined to head on out there.

Around Town:   Well this rain here this morning has slowed folks down some.  Not too many cars moving up and down Highway 522.  Can’t say I blame them neither.  Good day to head on into the big city to do some shopping, that is if you can’t find it here at our local stores.  Kind of like to support our own if at all possible.  But I do realize that there is a need for the large grocery stores since ours here in Port Loring has closed.  Sure miss that store let me tell you, as others I am sure.  Also miss our chats I had with the owners, great folks to say the least.  On another note I took a couple pictures the other day, one pertaining to a bouquet of flowers that my wife put together from our gardens, along with a couple of our flowering Hawthorn tree.  Sure looked pretty when it was out in full bloom, so thought I would share.  Click Pictures to Enlarge.  Enjoy your day my friends and stay dry.

Good morning.  Well took a few pictures of around the old house here and thought I would share.  Click Pictures to Enlarge & View More.

George’s wisdom and vision have inspired many. His insights into the healing power of plants and nature have helped people everywhere embark on a road of health and wellness. His topics are Medicinal Plants: what they are; what they do; how to use them.

He also speaks and teaches on the joys of becoming a writer. George is a columnist and has five published books relating to farm living in the early days, gardening, history and plant lore.

His main objective in life is educating others, regardless of race. He is an entertaining lecturer and as he weaves his way through his talks you soon find yourself filled with the reassurance that good things lies ahead.

Terms are negotiable according to the size and status of the audience. Book your speaking engagements now for 2014.

You can reach George at [email protected] or call 705 757 1640

On behalf of my wife and myself I would  thank all those that attended my Book Signing at Gulliver’s in North Bay last Saturday.  Also thanks to those that couldn’t make it and called in their orders.  More people showed up than ever before.  Folks lined up at 12:30 PM and my wife and I never stopped signing books till after three.  Great day for sure and it opened my eyes to just how many folks are enjoying my stories.  Thanks folks… it’s folks like yourself that keeps me writing.

We will be having a book signing for George Walters Brand New Book; Called: Times Changin’  at Gulliver’s Quality Books and Toys, 157 Main W  North Bay, ON P1B 2T6  1 705-474-7335 on July 13/2013 from 1 PM to 3 PM.  Free book marks will be handed out with each book.  His four other books will also be on hand for those that would like a copy.  Also you won’t want to miss this book as at the end of each story is an added feature of visions that came his way through out his life. Great wisdom and advice for every age to think on.  Drop By and pick up your autographed copy and say hello. George loves to hear from all his readers.

In Closing, I Would Like To Wish You Well!

Here a few picture of the group that I hunt with getting ready to head on out.  And one of the terrain at one location.  They have lots to choose from.  Also a couple of those who miss a deer wearing the Pumpkin hat.  No explanation needed.  LOL  Click Pictures To Enlarge.

Here is a Poem sent to me and I have to say it is one of the best I have seen.  Enjoy it as I have, as it is relating to the old Clothes Line of years past.

And now The POEM …

 

A clothesline was a news forecast, To neighbors passing by,

There were no secrets you could keep, When clothes were hung to dry.

It also was a friendly link, For neighbors always knew

If company had stopped on by, To spend a night or two.

For then you'd see the "fancy sheets", And towels upon the line;

You'd see the "company table cloths", With intricate designs.

The line announced a baby's birth, From folks who lived inside,

As brand new infant clothes were hung, So carefully with pride!

The ages of the children could, So readily be known

By watching how the sizes changed, You'd know how much they'd grown!

It also told when illness struck, As extra sheets were hung;

Then nightclothes, and a bathrobe too, Haphazardly were strung.

It also said, "On vacation now", When lines hung limp and bare.

It told, "We're back!" when full lines sagged, With not an inch to spare!

New folks in town were scorned upon, If wash was dingy and gray,

As neighbors carefully raised their brows, And looked the other way.

But clotheslines now are of the past, For dryers make work much less.

Now what goes on inside a home, Is any-body's guess!

I really miss that way of life, It was a friendly sign

When neighbors knew each other best... By what hung out on that line.

A Friend sent me this morning and thought I would share. Nothing like a smile on ones face to start the day.  But in reality, thinking about this bit of humor, over the years, I have found a lot of truth in what was happening to the poor feller. Read on.

Kevin had shingles.

Several days ago as I left a meeting at a hotel; I desperately gave myself a personal TSA pat down.

I was looking for my keys.  They were not in my pockets.  A quick search in the meeting room revealed nothing.

Suddenly I realized I must have left them in the car.  Frantically, I headed for the parking lot.

My wife has scolded me many times for leaving the keys in the ignition.

My theory is the ignition is the best place not to lose them.

Her theory is that the car will be stolen.  As I burst through the door, I came to a terrifying conclusion.

Her theory was right.  The parking lot was empty.

I immediately called the police.  I gave them my location, confessed that I had left my keys in the car, and that it had been stolen.

Then I made the most difficult call of all, “Honey,” I stammered; I always call her “honey” in times like these.

“I left my keys in the car, and it has been stolen.”

There was a period of silence.  I thought the call had been dropped, but then I heard her voice.

“Idiot”, she barked, “I dropped you off!”

Now it was my turn to be silent.  Embarrassed, I said, “Well, come and get me.”

She retorted, “I will, as soon as I convince this policeman I have not stolen your car.”

My lovely sister Barb sent me this bit of humor so thought I would share.  I really got a kick out of it.

Frank feared his wife Gloria wasn’t hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her, he called the family doctor to discuss the problem. The doctor told him there is a simple informal test the husband could perform to give him a better idea about her hearing loss.
“Here’s what you do,” said the doctor. “Stand about 40 feet away from her and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response.”
That evening, Gloria was in the kitchen cooking dinner and Frank was in the den. He said to himself, “I’m about 40 feet away, let’s see what happens.” Then in a normal tone he asked, “Honey, what’s for dinner?”
No response.
So Frank moves closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife and repeats, “Gloria, what’s for dinner?”
Still no response.
Next he moves into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asks, “’Honey, what’s for dinner?
Again he gets no response.
So, he walks up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away. “Honey, what’s for dinner?”
Again there is no response.
So he walks right up behind her and says, “Gloria, what’s for dinner?”
“For heaven’s sake, Frank! For the FIFTH time, CHICKEN!”