Rural Love, Going to Miss You All, This Changes Everything
Rural retail is in most cases the heart of the community.
Being adopted into a family of merchants I remember as a young lad sitting on the counter of my uncle Marvin’s store in Black River, New Brunswick. I share a photo of my uncle Marvin pumping gas. Sure wish I had those signs today.
I can remember people coming and going and they usually had stories to tell. There was lots of laughter. People coming in the store to pay for the gas would pick up a bottle of pop or some candy. I remember some men being offered a “swig” of something behind the counter, then heading out the door to drive away. I will never forget the “outhouse” visits with the old Eaton’s catalogue for toilet paper! You can see the two-holer in the background of the photo.
There were lots of chickens running around the house. I recall the pee pots under the bed. and sunrise sunlight streaming into the room. Awaking to the sound of birds chirping, a rooster crowing and the smell of bacon wafting its way upstairs. I can see, smell it and feel it as clear as today.
- Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?
- Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?
- Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
- If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
- If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
- Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
For the last 10 days, Millie and I head out the door before sunrise to play fetch, watch the sunrise, listen to the birds, give thanks and just sit and listen.
Wishing you and yours a good weekend and take care of each other.
Comments
Dale Dickson said:
Bruce
I just seen this. Actually stumbled upon it. I too have some great memories
from Black River. I remember one time Uncle Marvin let me pump gas
into a car. The guy only wanted $2 worth but I let it run over about 10 cents.
Needless to say that was the last time I pumped gas there. I was only 6 or 7 at
the time. The teasings I took over that. I remember the outhouse well. But
wasn’t it a Sears catalogue? My best memories were the free pop and chips.
Also the old guys trying to figure out what relative I was. Gotta get back down
to see you after this co-vid is done.
Your long lost cousin.
Dale
December 08, 2020
susan gleeson said:
I liked the Haiku video. It reminded me of a book that i started reading in May 2019, and then got distracted from. it’s called Haiku- the sacred art: A spiritual practice in 3 lines. by margaret mcgee. I am going to go back to it!
May 06, 2020
Rinda said:
Lovely! Thanks, Bruce!
May 06, 2020
Peggy Freeman said:
I enjoyed reading your blog. I, too, can remember fondly growing up with siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, parents, and grandparents. It was the happiest time for me, full of adventure and shared activities. I miss that peaceful, less stressful time. I hope that one day, when this nightmare is over, I will be able to visit your lovely island. Thank you for sharing your memories. Stay safe!
Peggy Freeman
May 04, 2020
Derinda Lyall said:
Hi Bruce,Loved the video of you and sweet Mllie and the birds singing. You are so lucky to live in such a peacecul and calmlng environment. Your Blog is something we look forward to each week. You are not closing permanently are you?
We Pray that you and your lovely family stay safe.
Derinda
May 03, 2020
Mike from WI said:
Love the blogs. Keep them coming. Wish we had as much peace here in the States as you seem to have in PEI.
May 03, 2020
Brena said:
Enjoyed the walk with Millie..Loved the sounds and Millie’s kiss, so sweet. You are so blessed. So appreicated the ponderisms! Made us both laugh. Your page had changed and I couldnt figure out how to get rid of “joining the newsletter” , sorry I joined again. Sorry. From Halifax.
May 03, 2020
Brenda said:
Always like getting your emails. Thanks for the ponderisms…Funny. we wished we could have been in your yard walking with you and Millie…Just being quiet and mindful of wonderful surroundings. That is a learned skill I am trying to learn in busy surroundings. Do hope we can visit this summer. I entered the free trip you offer to sign up today because I couldnt get out of it. The page has changed. Sorry.
learn.May 03, 2020
Gayle Forrester said:
Hi Bruce and Millie,
I really enjoyed the walk through your woods. I loved the colours already visible and Millie mixed in too.
She is such a joy to watch. Thank you for sharing.
I am sorry that you won’t be having so many out of province guests this year. It might be a way for Islanders to support Islanders this year.
Blessings to you, Shirley, Millie and your family,
Gayle
May 03, 2020
Heather Adamson said:
Good morning from Ontario!!
Yay! I’m back on the mailing list!!
Always love your blogs, Bruce. Great morning read!
Now going to pick fiddleheads for our steak dinner!
Peace and health to you and yours!
May 03, 2020
Cindy said:
Loved your blog…it was a peaceful one and I loved watching Millie run in the woods and listening to the birds. If you have to
shelter in place I don’t think you could pick a better place to be. One more Ponderism…why do we park on a driveway and drive on a parkway? Have a beautiful week!!
Cindy from Roseville CA
May 03, 2020
Heather Scales said:
Thanks Bruce,
I need to read lovely things these days. I’m heading out for a small walk before going to work; I live beside and in front of some nice woods near the Confederation Trail so can get much forest bathing easily done.
Life certainly has changed over the last five weeks; not for the better. The collective heart of the Scales and Nicholson families are missing a great big chunk, and none of us can ever replace that chunk.
Take care, stay safe, stay healthy, say hello and big hug to Shirley, and enjoy your walks with Millie.
Heather in the woods in Ten Mile House
May 03, 2020
Elizabeth A. Morgan MORGAN said:
Lift, I meant to say. I clicked too fast!
May 03, 2020
Elizabeth A. Morgan MORGAN said:
Surely not! Will you be closing for good? Or just for the quarantine period?
Something more to mourn for this Nova Scotian or will there be an opening soon?
Will I still be able order things? I feel as if we are back in the thirties again. I am
suffering Post Polio syndrome. I am so grateful for the long life I have had and
came through many difficult and heartbreaking times, so I will pray that you will too.
It is difficult to live in this era, but I have hope that it will be a better “new norm”
Google this: Tomfoolery 2020.
It will give you a life.
May 03, 2020
Tati said:
I read this in hope that restrictions may lift by August. It is the time of our yearly sojourn to visit family and friends and rejuvenate and restore our hearts and minds. Closure will not the economy very hard I fear. Our thoughts are with you all.
May 03, 2020
Carol said:
We’ll look forward to our weekly dose of PEI through your blogs all the more, since we can’t come in person. Wishing you all strength and peace of mind through this economic storm.
May 03, 2020
Paula Mueda said:
Blessings to you and yours, Bruce, as you shelter in place during this fearful COVID-19 phase of life. By God’s grace, we will all get through this time, but I suspect it will not be easy for some
of us, especially the very elderly and infirm. I deeply regret the fiscal impact this virus will have not only on your business but also on your beloved PEI!
May 03, 2020
althea said:
Saturday is here
Day to read of love and joy
From Millie and Bruce.
A second comment, I know. Forgive me.
May 02, 2020
althea said:
Hi, Bruce, Snap of Millie running in woods brought back happy happy memories of my cat Aiisi and I running/walking in the woods behind Eric’s at Pinette. Thank you. Stay well. Blessings.
May 02, 2020
Kathy said:
I have this photo also, isn’t it awesome?!! I remember sitting in the corner on that little green wooden chair by the window, and a freezer was there, waiting for uncle Marvin to say go ahead and get a tub of ice cream, the little ones with the wooden spoon, lol….great memories for sure cuz!
May 02, 2020
Tristan said:
The smile has not yet left my face after reading your blog. Love the old photo and memories, as well as the Ponderisms. Millie’s joy and her kiss for you also brought me tears of gratitude for dogs and bloggers.
May 02, 2020
Pat said:
Good morning from Ohio! Just finished reading your blog. Wonderful to hear the virus has a low count of infected people. Sure sounds like the spring and summer will be different for all of you. Luckily I have plenty to do at my home. Right now I am stripping wallpaper 🙄 Lots if yard work will get done this year. We are now Stay Safe At Home.
Question, are any of your shops open for shopping on line? I have ordered Kelley’s from you. Is the pewter shop open? I have a few pieces and would like a few more.
Well wishes from Ohio
Pat
May 02, 2020
Carole Wright said:
I am truly going to miss coming to the PEI Preserve Company this summer!!
My friend and I usually visit the Island every summer from NB and we joke that all roads lead to the PEI Preserve Company as we end up there at least twice every visit!!
May 02, 2020
barbara doering said:
thank you Bruce – I love your emails every week – Millie is adorable – my dog (who is a rescue and she has no left eye)
sends wags – we went out this morning and walked in the quiet with only bird songs, too – love love mornings
God Bless You all and keep you safe
Barb from St. Louis, MO
May 02, 2020