Village Squire, 1976-11, Page 171 thought I was really grown. up when I could navigate
through our orchard and field and then through their field and
on the other side of their orchard, arrive at Aunt Annie's back
door. It wasn't until years after that I found out my Mother
always phoned to see if I got there safely. If one of those fields
were planted in corn or grain and it was later summer, I found
it rather difficult to run a straight course and come out at the
right spot unless I stayed along the fence bottom.
My excuses for these early expeditions were to borrow a
grocery item my Mother found she had neglected to get or to
loan one of the same to Aunt Annie. My reward was a cookie
or bread and butter generously spread with brown sugar, and
a chance to pat old Casey. the cat. Casey was much older than
I was, nearing seventeen when 1 first remembered her. She
slept a lot on the fur rug on the couch and was never very
happy to share her mistress with me. I always detected a little
jealousy in that sly winking look she gave me.
Life in my small world at the age of four and five was
pleasant and interesting. My Grandparents lived, in a big
white brick house and my parents, brother and I lived in a
smaller frame house, directly across the yard at the other side
of our orchard. East of the orchard lay my other world, the
Findlater farm.
Seasons came and went, each bringing its own special fun
and enchantment. In the Findlater family. another sister,
Mary. lived in Washington D.C. That, to me, was another
universe. Everyone was proud of Mary. She had been a
elementary school teacher and had taught in several rural
schools before furthering her education to become a doctor, in
Washington.
Dr. Mary's long summer visits to, her old home were the
highlights of my young life. The great event began with a call
to my Father. early in June. asking him to meet the train at
our local station. usually in the evening.
Uncle Bill's only means of transportation. was Nettie, a
trusty old brown mare and a shiny black buggy. This was
hardly suitable for a night drive and anyway Doctor Mary's
luggage was beyond the capacity of a buggy. This was a
0,‘„
PaariciPvcrion�
Fitness. In your heart you know it's right.
GETSETFOR CHRISTMAS
------------------ r ears!
Special discounts
on Chesterfield Suites
for the month of
November
G.A. Whitney
FURNITURE
SEAFORTH, ONTARIO. 527-0902
•
•
CHRISTMAS IS ON
THE WAY
Shop now for
Personalized Christmas Cards
boxed Christmas Cards
Gift Wrap, Tags and Seals
Christmas Napkins and Tablecloths
Candles, Candlewreaths
Parth Goods.
We have the friendship book
along with a Targe selection
of other giving books for
all ages.
HARRIS STA TIONER Y
WINGHAM PHONE 357-3191
141*
Village Squire/November 1976, 15