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The Rural Voice, 2002-01, Page 811 A NEW CONCEPT FOR HANDLING BALES • two 5 1/2" augers provide positive gentle lift • eliminates troublesome chains • space saving vertical positioning • reverse for loading out of mow • low maintenance — durable Delron bearings • all drive and controls conveniently at ground level SEE US AT THE TORONTO FARM SHOW also Mow systems - available HALL 4 BOOTH 4243 AUG -A -BALE 4,-R8 WEBER LANE MFG. (1990) CO. R R 4 Listowel ON N4W 3G9 For Sales 8 Service call: Feb. 5-8. 2002 Weber's Farm Service 519-664-1185 NEW & USED UNIVERSAL TRACTORS Parts & Service • Bale Feeders • Cattle Crates • Gates & Panels • Lucknow Snowblowers BOYD FARM SUPPLY Agricultural Equipment R.R. #6, Owen Sound 519-376-5880 4 THE RURAL VOICE Carol Riemer Just for old times' sake Fondly remembered, though a little worn and tattered with time, the calendar that once found itself magnetically attracted to our fridge door has been replaced. A year's worth of hastily scra\k led appointments, anecdotes, "have tos" and "must dos" have suddenly fallen victim to the blank pages of a brand new year. Schedules, due dates and dead- lines, countless details of a country life are quickly forgotten. overshadowed by recent world events. And yet, as the new year unfolds, I'm grateful for the opportunity to steal a thought- ful glance back to simpler times. On those rare days when our neighbour decides to fire up his old Massey -Ferguson tractor, or when a vintage automobile, complete with running boards and rumble seat, slowly chugs its way down a lonely concession road, the years rapidly begin to recede. At the beginning of the twentieth century, our house was a one room school, a mere 27 years old. Situated on what was then a quiet country road, it would continue to serve the community for another 65 years before retirement. An integral part of rural life for many local families, it still maintains a sentimental interest among previous teachers and students. Down at the old general store, a creaky wooden screen door slams shut behind me in the wind. Inside, the floorboards continue to complain of age, squeaking with each hesitant step I take. Nevertheless, there's something reassuring about the smell of aged wood that fills the air with a sense of history, much like the pages of a well-worn book. I can't help but find the gentle warmth of the old pot- bellied stove and the prospect of a little friendly conversation inviting. But, with time in short supply, I tell myself that I'll have to come back again. Driving into town, I pass several century -old barns along the way. Monuments to the spirit and craftsmanship of another era, it's sad how their numbers have dwindled over time. Only two years ago, fire claimed another one. I remember we could do little but watch, as bright orange flames shot several storeys into the clear, blue sky, filling the horizon with a dark, smoky haze. Further on, a barn was levelled in a sudden windstorm, while its neighbour, spared only by a dubious stroke of luck, was left leaning at a precarious tilt. Always a tragic loss to the community, the demise of these structures carves a void in the landscape that can never quite be filled. In the days before time disappeared, one room schoolhouses, bank barns and old stone churches were all part of a gentler pace of life. Now, as they slowly fade from the land, those that remain, do so in stark contrast to a new reality. Looking at my watch, I realize the kids will soon be home from school. I hurry through the grocery store, just catching my breath as I reach the cashier. On the drive home, I begin to think about all the things I haven't done yet. Later that evening, the family races through dinner, dispensing with conversation, anxious to get to homework and preparations for the next day. It's a race I don't remember entering, and one that I can't possibly win. Worst of all, I'm held hostage by a list of things to do that only grows longer with each passing day. It's time for a change of pace. Time to unplug the computer, stock up on comfort food, watch an old movie and spend a little more time with the family. I want to curl up in front of the fire with a good book and, for just a peaceful moment, ignore the howling wind outside. It may not be efficient or cost effective. It may not meet the bottom line. But, once in a while, it's something I need to do. Just for old times' sake.0 Carol Riemer is a freelance writer who lives with her husband and two children near Grand Valley, Ontario.