The Rural Voice, 1980-08, Page 41GISELE IRELANDI
The good old
summer time
We happen to live in an area where we can watch from the top
of a load of hay the various hol idayers going to and from their
vacations loaded down with bikes, boats and other things. It
makes you wonder what you did wrong, to be sweating in the
sun, instead of lying all oiled up like a sardine on some sandy
beach. It also makes you give the man of the house some not so
subtle hints as to why you can't go on a vacation. He'll usually
mumble something like, "when the hay's in" or "when I've got
the corn scuffled" or "when I can't find anything better to do
than take you and four kids on a vacation."
A farmer getting ready to go on vacation is something else.
First, you have to find someone to do the chores while you are
away. A lot of farmers are really lucky to have hired help in the
summer who can step right in and take over. A lot of others have
to import from somewhere.
You run around like a demented heat -struck chicken trying to
do about a week's worth of work ahead so that you can take the
time off. While you are doing this, you have to pack him nothing
but his toothbrush and make him buy the clothes but our
finances wouldn't stand that. So like the dutiful wife I am, I pack
for him.
I have also discovered by this time that the majority of my
son's jeans after two weeks home from school are oil stained and
he lost the laces and soles on his supposedly good running shoes.
A mad dash to the store to find the necessary items.
The girls need a few shorts and T shirts which are bought with
more haste than caution and we find that when we get home you
take what fits you and too bad for the rest. For the last four years
I have considered buying a new swim suit but the prices and
styles scare me off. I forgot to do those cute little exercises that
make the lumps disappear before swim suit time.
The low fronts and no backs and cut half way up the sides
make me look like I couldn't afford a whole bathing suit, so I just
bought half a one. No one knows me where we are going, so the
moldy oldie gets crammed in the suitcase.
We finally managed three days away. It maybe doesn't sound
like much but when you've got four kids aged 5 to 12 along, it's
lots.
You wouldn't believe it, but we left nothing behind. Usually
we are missing something when we get home. There were no
disasters on the way. The youngest didn't want to jump in the
water at one of the spots because she was afraid she'd jump on
the little fish and hurt them and my son took off out of the motel
room one night in his fruit of the looms to get something he left
in the car. I wasn't exactly dressed to chase greased lightning at
the time and I prayed that no one would take exception to an
eight year old running through the parking lot at the motel in his
underwear. He just grinned.
When we got home we were exhausted. Funny thing about
holidays, you're usually in worse shape physically when you get
back than when you went. It taks you seven days to catch up on
three days rest. And all that unpacking and dirty laundry. We
got reams of pictures showing what a good time we had. I got a
terrific shot of a pair of shoes when 1 tripped and four blanks
when 1 forgot to take the lens cover off and a good shot of my
husband's arm after a seagull had done a number on him.
I'm now back looking at all those Lars going by with boats and
tents on top while I'm doing the farmer routine and am happy for
it. Next time around I think I'll find out if it is better in the
Bahamas. That is, if the corn is scuffled, the hay is in and hog
prices have hit an all time high. Have a good summer.
VANASTRA
FACTORY
OUTLET
Highway 4 • south of Clinton at Vanastra
"The Store That Saves You More"
McCaII's and Kwik Sew Patterns
• Mens' • Boys' • Ladies'
• Girls' • Baby Wear • Yard Goods
• Sewing Machines • Pound Goods
We repair all makes
of sewing machines
NEW STORE HOURS:
Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 12 noon - 6 p.m.
Holidays 12 noon - 6 p.m.
SUPEP PECEPTPOfl
Featuring exclusive
AccuMatch
performance for
sharpest picture and
truest colour
FOR PERFECTION
IN RECEPTION
ALSO FEATURING: Delhi Tower Sales and installation.
With a full line of Boosters and Rotors in stock to suit your
needs.
ft T
ANTENNA
Sales & Service
Varna
Brian McAsh
Or if no answer call
482-7129 482-7157
THE RURAL VOICE/AUGUST 1980 PG. 39