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Calling All Kids!
One of the major things that’s changed over the years, is the sense of safety we enjoyed as kids. No we weren’t any less brave or less of risk takers than today’s kids, but there was a sense that everyone watched out for everyone’s kids, and also that there were no external dangers like stalkers and the like.
We often were told to go outside in the morning, and unless hungry, may not be seen again till the evening. Wherever you were, whoever had food, usually got something for you, even if it was a slice of jam bread.
But we also had to listen for when we were called to come home, and were expected to come right away. Sound carried far in those small communities, there wasn’t any background traffic, or industry. You could hear a door close pretty much anywhere. But some people could be heard even further!
My Aunt Vick had this call, I’m not sure what to call it, maybe the closest thing was a yodel, but whatever you call it, it was piercing, and we had no trouble hearing her up at bottom from their house a half mile away.
There was also Ralph Smith. Ralph didn’t call out for Lorne (his nephew, who lived with him) he whistled. And did that whistle carry. Once, during a wind storm, the remnants of a hurricane I believe, we were on the beach, quite a way from their house, but even with all the wind, and the lop breaking, we could hear Ralph when he whistled.
Remembering Ralph also reminds me of another story. He had this big old car, of course I guess almost all the cars were big back then, but anyway… It had some weird wiring issue. In those days, you could turn “back” the ignition to turn on accessories, listen to the radio, etc. This old cars ignition was so worn that you could do that without the key. Well for whatever reason, when you did that, and turned on the radio, pressing the brake pedal would start the car!
Of course time muddles memories, and the exact combination of actions may be mixed up, but the story is true!
Troutin’ with da byes
I’m not sure what year it was, or even many of the details now, but one summer many moons ago, there were tales of huge sea-trout coming up the brooks and rivers of southern Newfoundland. Always up for trouting, and also for a chance to explore more of our great …Why’d You Play the Left Bower There??!
I’ve never played Bridge, and don’t know the rules or at least not totally, but back home in Newfoundland, we had a similar game called 500’s, the objective of which is to get 500 points, duh! The game is deceptively simple to play, but can take years to master. There’s …- Ah A Good Old Double DoubleWhat? Coffee? No, I’m not talking about coffee. I guess memory fails us all over time, because my memory of this seems muddled with the facts. That said, its still interesting that in 1988, Newfoundland had double daylight savings time. Personally I’d as soon abolish daylight savings time, or standard …
Carry on and Mastodon

If you follow the tech scene at all, and likely even if not, you’ve probably heard a lot of buzz about Mastodon lately. I’m actually perhaps a little late to the scene, but I joined the bandwagon this past weekend, and thought I’d share my thoughts and tips. Sorry for any incoherence. And I’ll update […]
10 Channels, 2 Programs… why?

Was watching (or trying at least) to watch some sports last night. Harkening back to my love of curling, there’s a tournament in Toronto, and I was expecting coverage. Apparently they aren’t deeming to until Thursday, so be it. But for the love of god, between them TSN and SportsNet have 10 different feeds. Last […]
Picture Says it all Really

I can’t say I watch wrestling much anymore, but when I was younger I remember going to some bar or another to watch almost all the major events. I have a memory of this one motel bar out by what used to be the beginning of the divided highway, which was nearly into Kenmount road […]
Olympic Hockey Done

The NHL announced today it won’t be participating in the next olympics. I get some of the reasons, but I really think it’s short sighted. Yeah it’s in the middle of the season, yeah some of the players could get injured. But they could get injured walking to the rink too. To me the the olympics […]
Chess on Ice

I’m currently watching the men’s world curling championships. I know a lot of people laugh at the game and can’t seem to follow it, but to me it’s probably my favorite thing to watch. It sounds simple, get your rock as close to the center as you can, and prevent the other team from doing […]