Not The Article You Might Think!
Author: Bill Garwood
Not the Article You Might Think!
Because of the blind anger I am feeling about the murders happening in America today. I will NOT try to write happy thoughts; instead, since I have recently picked the annual Farmer’s Almanac, I will replay the article I do every year at this time. Thank you…
Can you hear it? Riders racing through the night, some in old trucks, some on horseback and one clown on a skateboard. Hear their cries to one and all, especially farmers, ranchers and ladies with gardens.
'Tis the time! The seasons on the verge of changing, so the riders are on their sacred mission. The Farmer’s Almanac is here! That book of arcane knowledge that helps one and all with crops, animals, and a few crossword puzzles.
A book so American it is still printed with a punch hole in the cover for hanging in outhouses. Go look, it’s there. The changing of the seasons is here - don’t swear like that. After an “interesting” wind, hail, rain fires this summer, probably won’t hang around much longer. Summer knows the writing is on the wall. Ever wonder what exactly that means? And who are these jerks writing on our walls? No matter, fall is on the way.
Somewhere around Punxsutawney, PA., there is a groundhog screaming, “It’s not my fault I don’t say crap until March; besides, I’m just a rodent, not a weather forecaster”. Up here, we can still feel the chill in the air. I love the cooler weather. We have had a hot summer, but cooler weather seems to bring people alive. They have a little more energy and don’t mind working out in it much - as long as you have warmer clothing.
There was a story years ago about a teacher who wanted two students to bring in fall leaves of many colors. But unfortunately, that year the leaves didn’t turn as early, so the teacher spread some leaves out on her driveway and was spray painting them. Her neighbor saw her and said, “I always wondered what Mother Nature looked like."
Most mornings before going to work, many of the locals gather for a morning coffee, soda, etc., to discuss the Farmer’s Almanac, football or other things of great importance. This is the American way, passing along information…or just shooting the breeze. Talking about the Almanac passes needed information around, on planting, gardening or weather for range tending. So, what better place than the local watering hole?
Old knowledge should NEVER be lost, these things that our ancestors passed down to help our lands and country. There was a series of books published years ago called the Foxfire books, much old knowledge in there is saved for future generations.
Several magazines also pass along old ways of doing things, like Backwoodsmen magazine & Range. Knowledge about living simply and well. Just because something isn’t electronic or has flashing lights on it doesn’t make the facts and knowledge useless. Turn off the electricity and watch the young folks scramble! Me? I just light an oil lamp and go back to reading.
