You’re Never Too Old…

I don’t know why, anything historical fascinates me. I think that’s why I enjoy visiting such events and attractions like the Battle of Stoney Creek, Black Creek Pioneer Village and “Christmas by Candle Light” at Lang Pioneer Village. It’s just the thought of the hardships our forefathers went through to get us where we are today. One of my great grandfathers was a carriage maker in Lakefield, Ontario and another was a county doctor in a small village just north of Cobourg, Ontario, so perhaps that’s why the charm of days gone by comes so naturally. Whatever the reason, I do like to go to and see “olde” things! I know that I am not alone. When Judi and I were at the Battle of Stoney Creek, I asked one of the re-enactors if he enjoyed what he did. He proceeded to tell me that the uniform he was wearing was made of wool, was very itchy and that he sweated like “h*ll” in it! Then he told me that they had to sleep each re-enactment night at the site on old fashion lumpy camp cots. Not finished, he continued to tell me that they did re-enactments and shows pretty much every other weekend! I asked him if it was so rough why he continued to do it. He gave me a hardy laugh and said “Because I love every minute of it!” It’s funny, because most of the people I have talked to who are involved in re-enactment or interpretation same the same thing. “They love it!” Judging by the spirit and dedication of the people we have met, their “love of it” shows. Judi and I plan on visiting plenty of Ontario’s heritage attractions and event in 2008. Ontario has lots of facilities to visit and explore!

How Old Are you?

I haven’t reached the exalted age of 65 yet and Judi isn’t even close. I’m actually 2 years from it, si it is always interesting to see if I am going to be offered a senior’s discount. The problem that I have is that I don’t feel like a senior, plus my friends tell me I don’t act like one either! I don’t think they were complimenting me! So, it’s hard for me to accept a senior discount. Judi always gives that long disgusted look… “ARE YOU CRAZY, TAKE THE MONEY!” I guess with me it’s pride. I just don’t want to be considered a senior! Now, there is one exception, INSURANCE. Being older (not too old) and accident/conviction free does have its advantages, but every other “senior” situation is not for me! My Dad, on the other hand, when he became a “senior” loved to go to McDonald’s for their free cup of coffee (do they still do that?), but that was my Dad, frugal as a result of the “Great Depression”. Because of my “senior” phobia, I think you can forgive me for my biggest “senior” blunder! Judi and I were visiting a very nice festival in Smiths Falls. Part of the festival’s attractions was a tour of the local “Railroad Museum”. There was a cost to go in, so when we reached the entrance I said to the attendant, “How much and I don’t have to pay full price do ?” He kind of looked at me as if I was crazy and with a dead-pan face said, “How old are you?” I, like an idiot, said “Why?” He just repeated the question with the same expression, but this time with a twinkle in his eye! “How old are you?” Obviously I was in another world, I just didn’t get it! Finally Judi nudged me in the ribs and took over the conversation! She now told our frustrated attendant that we were indeed “seniors”. You see, it wasn’t really about age! With that he asked us for a $1.00 each. We paid and went in. The regular price for non-senior was $5.00. I’m glad there was at least one “aware” member of our family there! By the way, it was a great tour!

“A Funny Thing Happened…”

One of the perks of visiting festivals is people watching! It is always interesting to see how people react to different situations. In a way it’s like being a “fly on the wall”. Music concerts seem to bring out the best (or worst) in people. The Beaches Jazz Festival is a perfect example of this. There was one lady was really thrilled by the music. She decided that the music would be great to dance to… alone! She went down to the front of the stage and started to dance up a storm. She made moves that I didn’t know the human body could make! She was in a world of her own and it was fascinating to watch! Then there was the little girl at the Oshawa Celtic Festival. There was a lively band playing on the main Bandshell stage. In front of the main stage a lower stage had been set up for am earlier Celtic dance demonstration. The lower stage was empty when the band first started to play. Part way through their first song, a little girl ran from the audience and climbed onto the stage and then started to dance to the music. The audience and band loved it! The little girl beamed as the audience showed their appreciation! She was such a hit that other children emerged from the audience and ran to the stage. Each climbed onto it and started to dance. The original little girl was upset that others had joined her that she stopped dancing, stomped off the stage and ran to her parents crying. Apparently she didn’t like to share the spot light. The other children danced on undisturbed! Animals also create good people watching material. We were at the International Plowing Match last fall. The first attraction we came to was the Canadian Raptor Conservancy Show. There were two handlers who brought out different birds to show the crowd. Some of the birds would fly off one handlers arm, fly over the crowd and then land on the other handlers arm. The shear delight (terror) on the audience was great to see! Imagine my surprise when one of the birds swooped down from its flight and landed on MY HEAD!! The tables were turned! I was the one who was being WATCHED!

A “Dog Day Afternoon”!!

Every once in a while we come across a funny situation when we visit a festival or event. But, when we come across two at the same event, it’s something to write about! This past fall we went on an artists’ studio and gallery tour. We traveled all over scenic Prince Edward County. After much time and mileage, we reached our final destination, the Town of Picton. Picton is a picturesque town located in the southern part of Prince Edward County. It is especially busy during the summer and fall months. It was towards the end of the day and we had only a little viewing time left to see a few more participating artists. Many of the artists we visited during the tour had their studios in their homes. The artist (who’s studio was in his home) we were about to visit was located in the south eastern residential section of Picton. After winding our way through a number of residential streets, we finally located his home. The artist was on the grass in front of his home sitting at his easel. He gave us a friendly welcome and showed us what he was working on. He then suggested that we enter his home to view his work. At the front door we were greeted by his wife. She directed us upstairs to the artist’s studio/gallery. Upstairs we were met by their son who was in charge of the gallery. After looking around and admiring the works of art we took our leave and headed downstairs and out to the front lawn. We looked to say goodbye to our host and found that he and the family dog were fast asleep on the ground. It must have been a long day! Our last image was dog and master raising theirs heads bidding us a goodbye. The next artist’s (a carver) studio we wanted to visit was located on a nearby street. We found his home and parked our car. We walked up to the house and went in. We were greeted by the artist’s wife who told us to take our time looking at the carvings that were placed around the living and dining rooms. As we were about to leave, our hostess suggested that if we wanted to see her husband at work we could go outside to the garage located at the side of the house. The garage had been converted into the carver’s workshop. We love to see artists and artisans at work, so we took the trip up the side of the house to the workshop. The door was open so we walked in. YOU GUESSED IT! Here was the carver, chisel in hand, fast asleep in his rocking chair! We quietly backed out of the workshop so as not to disturb him. This was not the kind of working we were use to seeing! Judging by the last two artists, it must have been a very busy day!!

"A Dog Day Afternoon!"

Kid’s Play…

Many of the festivals we visit are kid oriented. It is always fun to watch how different kids react to the activities and games offered. Many of the activities or games are very elaborate. I think we have seen every type imaginable, the Midway, of course, with its rides and games; inflatable animals and building just right for jumping around; children show featuring Barney, Dora, Bob the Builder, the characters from The Big Comfy Couch; the Ronald McDonald Sports Zone and Pepsi-Cola’s Climbing Wall and a whole lot more. Millions of dollars are spent each year by companies just to bring joy to children (and their parents)! So why is it that some of the best fun comes from very simple, ordinary things! Take out trip to the Spring Toad Festival at the Toronto Zoo. That day were accompanied by my three grandchildren and their parents. Yes, they loved the animals, but the area that they seemed to enjoy most was the kid’s area with their animal statues and cave-like tunnels. They climbed on the animals and crawled through the cave. No moving parts, no elaborate gizmos, no hype, no loud music, just a couple of inanimate objects! The best pure and simple fun we have seen during our travels came at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Judi and I had been walking through The Royal’s buildings and were now in the cattle area. As we had been walking for some, we decide to find a bench and sit down to rest. Across from where we sat was a young family, husband and wife and their little daughter. The parents were deep in conversation with one of the fair participants. The daughter, who appeared to be about age 3 or 4, was wandering around looking very looking for something to do. Suddenly she spied a large broom lay against a hay bale! She grabbed it and started sweeping up the hay and cow droppings that were scattered around the floor! She was having the time of her young life! She was oblivious of everyone around her! While we watched her I began to think about all the parents who spend $100 no $1,000 on toys for their children! So, here’s a tip for all my Festival Friends, buy you kids/grandkids a broom, they will have lots of fun with it and you will get the added bonus of a clean sweep!

"Clean Sweep"