mud behind them. Startled, both boys whirled to see the cause of the eruption, and losing their balance toppled sideways, sprawling full length in the mud with (to me) a most satisfying splash. They had just sucked themselves upright dripping with mud when Old Maude swung a heavy hind foot up to dislodge a horsefly from her belly; then let it drop again. The big, flat- bottomed Percheron hoof hit the mud with a wallop and the resulting eruption of sludge engulfed the boys covering any spots that might have been missed the first time. What might have seemed a disaster to adults was a lark to the boys and the laughing and joking never stopped as they rode back home. I followed behind, not wanting to miss what I hoped would be an interesting reaction, especially from Aunt Georgie. The trek home gave their coating time to dry to a blotchy light grey, somewhat reptilian in appearance. Their hair had dried in spiky tufts which heightened the resemblance to some sort of weird reptile. The boys’ impact was not only visual but olfactory because the mud and cow effluent combined to create a pungent aroma of Eau de Barnyard. You could almost see the odoriferous waves emanating from the boys when they moved. Now Mother was not accustomed to having her men folks present themselves covered from head to foot with mud at the door, but she was used to coping with muddy overalls and coats, especially in late fall and early spring. She would do whatever was necessary to clean the clothes, leaving the wearers to clean themselves. Her offspring however would have to pass rigorous inspection before being allowed to mingle once again in public. This was done with minimum fuss, being an accepted part of life on the farm. When she saw the boys, she was surprised enough to exclaim and ask whatever happened, but at this point, Aunt Georgie took
over and her performance was even better than I had hoped for. Calling loudly on the Saints to preserve as she grabbed a broom and herded the giggling twosome out to the pump in the yard. There, as instructed, the boys doused each other with pails of cold well water until they were relatively mud-free. At this point, Dad and Uncle Harold intervened and took to the boys back to the barn where they each had a hands-on lesson in using curry comb and brush to restore Old Maude to her former mud-free condition. The whole episode concluded in the woodshed. Here a laundry tub of water, perfumed soap (Aunt Georgie’s), a towel and clean clothes awaited each boy. When they presented themselves post-bath, pink and glowing, a rigorous sniff test was applied, (Aunt Georgie was the sniffer; the boys the sniffees), and a passing grade was given, but not without additional meaningful sniffs by Aunt Georgie, who implied that only because it was lunchtime was a passing grade given. As for me, I had found the morning’s adventures immensely entertaining. It was tiresome being constantly told, “You’re too young!” when wanting to join the gang in their fun. While I would have happily taken part in the initial mud bath, the follow-up was much more enjoyable as a spectator than a participant. I especially enjoyed the boys’ reaction when they were confronted with the perfumed soap. To me, it was a sort of just retribution for being considered, “Too young”.
John Caverhill is the younger son of the late Ernest Caverhill and Susie Boyd of Lobo Township. John’s writings often reflect his experiences and observations of growing up on the family farm, attending the one room school, S. S. No. 7 Lobo (Bear Creek School), and Vanneck United Church. John’s sense of humour and story-telling skills are legendary. His keen observation skills have augmented his repertoire . Create Your Escape Plan with Great Escape RV CREATE YOUR ESCAPE PLAN WITH GREAT ESCAPE RV 519-666-2115 • 13235 Ilderton Rd.
Create Your Escape Plan with Great Escape RV CREATE YOUR ESCAPE PLAN WITH GREAT ESCAPE RV Create Your Escape Plan with Great Escape RV CREATE YOUR ESCAPE PLAN WITH GREAT ESCAPE RV
Create Your Escape Plan with Great Escape RV CREATE YOUR ESCAPE PLAN WITH GREAT ESCAPE RV
PIZZA SLICES MON-FRI 11–3 Wings, Mozzarella Sticks, Battered Mushrooms and more!
Holly Barnwell is the winner of a FREE pizza from this summer’s favourite toppings pizza contest! Congratulations Holly, your Creamy Garlic base, with Chicken, fresh Red Onions and Spinach is the October who submitted their favourite toppings in our summer contest. Watch for another contest coming up again soon!
www.GreatEscapeRVCanada.com 519-227-4700 • Toll Free: 1-888-716-4542 Great Service & Great Prices meet at the corner of Hwy’s 4 & 7 Just north of London Pizza of the Month! Thank you to everyone
www.GreatEscapeRVCanada.com 519-227-4700 • Toll Free: 1-888-716-4542 Great Service & Great Prices meet at the corner of Hwy’s 4 & 7 Just north of London
DRIVE THROUGH WINTERIZING October 25 & 26 OPEN HOUSE AND TREATS ON THE 26th
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com www.GreatEscapeRVCanada.com 519-227-4700 • Toll Free: 1-888-716-4542 Great Service & Great Prices meet at the corner of Hwy’s 4 & 7 Just north of London www.GreatEscapeRVCanada.com 519-227-4700 • Toll Free: 1-888-716-4542 Great Service & Great Prices meet at the corner of Hwy’s 4 & 7 Just north of London
Monday to Thursday 11 am – 8 pm • Friday 11 am – 9 pm Saturday 2 pm – 9 pm • Sunday 4 pm – 8 pm. Uber Eats • Gift Certificates
Ilderton and Area Villager
October 2024 • Page 9
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