ole joyful calling

10 years ago

Greetings, all.

There's been so much space in the garden not seeded ... and weeds growing .. and the seeds in the tray yelling, "Give us all of the dirt on the situation".

Here was I, just at the edge of dark, last night, having hauled the long hose out and done some watering, as we've needed rain badly for some time - the landlord has a pond on the top of a hill (so it must be spring-fed) and has a large irrigating machine with a long hose that gets pulled back to the machine and throws water in a wide arc and the tractor that pumps water to it was running.

I had emptied some jugs that I use to carry water out farther than the hose can reach, and I was just ready to haul them back to the barn, when I heard a "Hello". Looking up, I saw a large dark station wagon on the lane between the house and the garage, with bright lights shining. As I walked across about a dozen rows, and got closer, I could see "POLICE" in large letters on the side of the vehicle, and as I got closer, saw that there was "Chippewa of the Thames" in smaller letters.

The police lady asked me if I were Edward Baker, and when I said that I was, she said that some people were worried about me, and I asked who was worried. She said that it was some friends, and asked whether I was active on the internet ... and my reply was, "Oh! Oh! Gardenweb". She asked for I.D., which I went into the house and provided, then she said that the O.P.P. (Ontario Provincial Police) were busy, and asked them whether they would check on me.

We have two aboriginal groups right near me - the nearest is the Oneidas, part of the Iroquois Confederacy, which bought their own land years ago, so are called the "Oneida Settlement". There are three cigarette shops next door to me, on a farm that they bought a few years ago. On the other side of the Thames River, that flows through London, are the Munceys and the Chippewas on their reservation. It was their police agency that had been asked to check on me, and she said that it took her about seven minutes to get to my house. She said that sometimes they help out the Oneida police, when they have need.

I apologized for the inconvenience that I was causing.

I called son, who'd been busy blowing up balloons all day for kids at a festival and asked him to send a message saying that Dad was O.K. ... but he couldn't access, and I forgot to tell him of the user name and password needed. At first he was a bit concerned that the police were asking about my internet usage, but after he checked the KT ... was quite impressed, and moved, by the whole enterprise.

I'd wondered about garden, as there's been a lot of work with little result for the past two years, but any gardener worthy of the name doesn't give up after a couple of bad years! And I wondered how much energy I'd have, after the radiation in January and February, but, though my friends say that I've lost some weight, I have felt pretty well like my old self for the past two or three months.

The old guys at the village of Lambeth United Church meet on Thursday mornings for coffee and fellowship through fall, winter and spring, then wind up the year by taking their wives out for lunch late in June.

I've often taken a long-time friend, but she was in the hospital a week or so before and didn't know whether she'd be able to go.

I'm getting established with a new doctor more of less downtown, was to have the initial examination on the Thursday afternoon of the luncheon, but they called to say that they'd like to change it to the morning, at 10:30, and lunch was to be on the edge of the city at 12:00, so I doubted that I'd be able to make the lunch. I was done in time, but that lady wasn't able to go.

About a week ago I was about to change from my somewhat disreputable garden clothing (holes, some of them patched, in jeans - but no need for elastics) to attend a gathering of seniors for games and talk at the other church ... when I found that the landlord, who'd returned early from laying sod, wasn't rolling or cutting grass ... but was cutting sod to load for the next day, and I have a friend who needed some sod, so I drove back to the sod field to pick up some discarded sod to take fresh to the friend ... and was too late to change, so went to spend time with games and chat with the old folks in my garden clothes, which caused a bit of a stir. The lady who needed the sod was delighted, however.

And I'm in them tonight, and the main librarian, who isn't in on Thursdays, had wondered how I was ... but I hadn't been in on Thursdays, either for a while ... or on any other day, for that matter, as you know.

Phone bill is due, so I better get on my way to the bank to get that taken care of.

Thank you all very much for your concern ... my life has been going along pretty well as always, but haven't been able to get here, for a while.

Good wishes to all of you.

ole joyful ... fuelled

Featured Answer

nanny98

10 years ago

See your 'fan club'? You just can't get away from us no matter how much dirt and veggies you hide behind. Relieved to find you out and about!

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Comments (43)

User
10 years ago
I am relatively new to KT though a VERY long time thathomesite gardenweb user. I was so impressed how thoroughly people were searching for you. I will chime in and say I am glad you are ok, I am glad you are busy with good stuff, and so glad that you posted. I am sure this thread will keep going and going. So happy to see you posting-
sjerin
10 years ago
Ed, you ol' rascal you. We were are terribly relieved to hear all was well with you and that you had only heard the siren call of the garden. You've never been away that long so many of us were concerned. You can thank our darling Jasdip for getting in touch with those who could check on you. Golly, it's good to hear from you!!! I'm very glad you're doing well.
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Actually, when you have to have a 4-year-licensed driver sitting beside you ... and can't drive on the freeway ... and not between midnight and 5 a.m. either ... ... somehow, one gets the feeling that one has arrived at one's second childhood! ole joyful
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Ed got home about daybreak on Sat. I-75 northbound was under construction, they sent us via I-275 toward (Ann Arbor? and) Flint, then to take I-94 from Chicago, meeting by the airport, to the bridge, with everything being torn up in the vicinity of the bridge, as well. I hadn't gone off of one of those roads to look for a library - stopped to pull a substantial chunk of retread tire off of the driving lanes ... that a truck hit and kicked around ... then a car hit, moving it over into the lane by the curb, so it was not difficult to get to it, when there was a pause in traffic. I got just past the middle of the Ambassador Bridge about 7, then had to crawl toward immigration clearance ... first in one line, then two, after while a third, then 4 - 5 ... appraching 10 green lights. It took something over an hour, part of the time I had engine off, I thought most of that time with lights off, also ... but when I got next to talk ... the engine wouldn't start. I pushed it forward ... slightly past the door of the booth, and the occupant suggested that I might like to stop to talk to him. After I was cleared - a short interrogation, engine wouldn't go, he wondered if I needed help, I said not just yet, pushed car out of booth area, then pushed some more ... down a slight incline (so water wouldn't puddle in a rain, I expect) ... ... and the car started when I flipped it into gear, let out the clutch ... even though it was travelling quite slowly. It was slightly after 8, I figured likely hard to find a library open, visited the other cousin than the widow of the one that recently died, that I'd visited on the way down ... they'd both been at the reunion, with families. Needed milk, to feed my addiction, didn't see store as I left Windsor, tried in Tilbury (freeway skirts town, accessible at both ends) ... cost was $4.79, which gave my wallet the chills. Usually buy for $3.99 at Shoppers' Drug Mart ... one along the regular highway route near the edge of the city wasn't open ... got 4 litres (3.78 litres to U.S. gal.) at $4.59 which, though it caused some wallet-chill, was not serious enough to scotch the deal - so, at around midnight, my needs were filled and I was ready to head home. A few blocks up the street, several police lights flashing ... when I got there, it was RIDE ("Rejecting Drunk Driving Everywhere" ... or is that "Reducing?). When the guy asked where I was coming from and I said, "Georgia", he was somewhat surprised. Their checkpoint was visible for some distance, so I imagine that a driver approaching it still possessing some residual brain function would think that he heard a call from A side street. A few miles farther along the regular road, about three towns away, I felt rather tired, so pulled into a side street for a nap. Or so I thought. When I awoke, wondered where I was ... then decided that I was in the car ... with seat belt on ... to keep me from fallng out of bed, I guess. Looked at watch: 4:30 ... so it had been an extended sleep. Arrived home about an hour later, just as dawn was approaching. A couple of heavy digging machines in front of the house ... landlord's planning to build a third pond between the barn and the road, just in front of the garden. When I went out to check the garden ... I found that the (quite large) pond's already dug. He wants to irrigate the sod - has a bunch of aluminum pipes and a large reel with a spray gun on the end of the hose. Cucumbers are dying - again, as they did in other years. Corn is in silk stage, tomatoes are large and setting fruit, there are peas and beans, beets are large ... radishes are going to seed (many of them split) and lettuce, having been neglected, is spurring up, ready to go to seed. There are some zucchini ready to use (some rather large) and (large quantity of) round green squash are starting to bloom. Need to go pick some peas, beans, etc. to take to churches tomorrow. Glad to be home: think that I'll stay for a while. ole joyfyul
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I told of some of mine over on the welcome to AMY365 thread. Not much of great moment on the Friday ... but son and partner took me to a country and western band on Sat night. They're cousins - John P. Allen is the M.C. and gets his body and movements into it, and his face moves a good deal related to what he's doing. He played fiddle with the "Prairie Oyster" band for several years and recently has done a number of his own gigs. His sister, a doc, plays string bass and brother, fiddle, mandolin and trumpet were involved, and the young ones of the first two: the main female singer is taking nursing and quite vivacious - adds a good deal to the presentation. They attend one church where I go - the one which I went to as a child. The men's group in the other church had a tour of Labatt's Brewery on Monday night, so it's been an interesting weekend. ole joyful
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User
10 years ago
I knew you'd have a story to share. I'm happy you're back and feeling great.
Jasdip
10 years ago
LOL, So good to see you Ol' Joyful!!!

I tried my best to track you down, and the last resort was the OPP. She asked for my name, and I thought afterwards that I should give both my name and screen name, in case I was mentioned by the cop, to you.

I tried calling a bunch of "------" as well in the phone book to see if any of them might be a relative. I also called the Library.

It seems that you were busy doing what you do best, and we were worried for naught. Glad to see you!
mama goose_gw zn6OH
10 years ago
Great story, oj--good to know you can still garden, and that you are doing well.
morz8 - Washington Coast
10 years ago
Ed, I hope that police wagon with the lettering on the side really startled you. Now when we say you are our valued friend, you'll know we mean it. I had a feeling they wouldn't catch you up to no good, but you did tell us you didn't know how much gardening you might do this year didn't you? I had thought you were cutting back.

It's wonderful to hear from you, we've been missing your participation. I hope getting out, growing, getting your hands dirty is helping to restore your health.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
10 years ago
(((((Ed)))))
lucillle
10 years ago
I'm glad you are OK, it sounds like you are happy and busy.
Lindsey_CA
10 years ago
Joyful Ed, we are so glad that you are doing well and that you've come back to say hello. There were so many of us who were so very worried about you! That's why I suggested in the other thread that someone should contact the local police to ask for a wellness check. I'm so happy everything turned out ok!
rob333 (zone 7b)
10 years ago
I'm so glad you're feeling so good is why you're gone. You're too busy gardening and living to be on the net. Tears of joy for you! How awesome! LOVE for you. Enjoy it to the fullest
happy2b…gw
10 years ago
A big smile broke out on my face when I opened the Kitchen Table tonight and saw your post at the top of the page. You are a wonderful story teller and a good guy. I hope your garden is productive this summer. Looking forward to it.
tami_ohio
10 years ago
So good to hear from you, and know you are fine!
gyr_falcon
10 years ago
Great hearing from you!
lindaohnowga
10 years ago
So happy to get here tonight and see your post. I'm sure having the cops arrive had to be quite a surprise. LOL We are so thankful that the wellness check finds you doing well. Now we hope your garden does well too and that you remain healthy.
justlinda
10 years ago
Glad all is 'on track', and that you were just busy doing what you do best - that is to say - entertaining both the church ladies and us here at the KT. Keep on keeping-on.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
10 years ago
Oh I am so glad this is a happy story! See that shows you to keep us involved in your life! I love that you are back in the garden! Take care and hope your garden grows the very best bounty
katlan
10 years ago
I was thrilled to see your post! Fantastic news that you are in such good health that you are very busy with your garden and getting out with friends. Thank you for checking in and letting us know you are well. You have to know how many people are just tickled to hear from you!
schoolhouse_gw
10 years ago
Good to hear from you at last and glad you weren't upset by all the attention, i.e. the police! lol Quite the adventure, all's well that end's well.
stacey_mb
10 years ago
Wonderful to hear from you, OJ! We've missed your presence here on KT, but happy to hear that you are busy with gardening and other fun pursuits. I hope your garden provides lots of veggies for you this year!
ont_gal
10 years ago
Ahhh Ed,I knew that you were busy beating the paths of the gardens-and with so little rain that we've had,all over Ontario,I sorta thought that maybe you would be inside a little more until the heat spell broke.Well,either way,good to see that you are still at it in the garden.Wondering how your corn is doing,if you even plant any,anymore. I've kept at my little gardening space with water from a nearby lake,and the potatoes and smaller tomatoes are doing really well.I will have potatoes flowering for Orange day for sure-altho,not ready to dig as yet.

Good to hear that your health is holding out-try to get into the library on Thursdays again,even if only every other week-you could use the break,I'm sure,and the folks here will then know that you are alright.Take care-Rhonda up north-east of you about 6 hours.(Ont_Gal)
blfenton
10 years ago
ole joyful - You are our ole joyful and you were missed. (((hugs)))

Glad you checked in tonight. Hopefully you'll have another chance to do so again and let us know how your garden is doing.
sweet_betsy No AL Z7
10 years ago
How great it is to finally see your post! I have been checking in all along to see if you have appeared and here you are. It is delightful to find that you have only been busy gardening and doing for others. Blessings on all that you do and good to "see" you.
User
10 years ago
What great and happy news! And good detective work on everyone's part. :)
moonie_57 (8 NC)
10 years ago
OJ - I know well how easy it is to get caught up in gardening!

I miss your sense of humor. You always give me a chuckle.

So glad all is well and you're back to feeling your ole self!
seniorgal
10 years ago
I've been checking, too, although I didn't post. Glad to hear that all is well.
murraysmom Zone 6a OH
10 years ago
I, too, am glad to hear that you are well and keeping busy in your good works. It was an international effort to try to get your attention. LOL
jemdandy
10 years ago
oldjoyful:

Its good to see that you are disturbing the dirt in the garden and not somewhere else. If you see that police lady again, tell her she did good.
PKponder TX Z7B
10 years ago
I am so happy to see your post and learn that you've been doing what you wanted to you! {{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs Ed }}}}}}}}}}}}}}
lily316
10 years ago
Nice to see a happy ending. It must make you happy so many were concerned. Sounds like you're out and about, living life.
Cherryfizz
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Glad you are back to posting Ed. I hope you are enjoying the little bit of rain we have gotten the last few days. Still not enough though.
PattiG(rose)
10 years ago
Happy to see you posting, Ole Joyful. I was missing your thoughtful and entertaining outlook on things, but glad to see you are busy gardening.
Amazing Aunt Audrey
10 years ago
Bless you OJ for tending the earth. I envy you being able to play in the dirt, my health keeps me from it now. You seem to be in good spirits and sharing some joy with your neighbors. Happy you have returned to the table.
kathyg_in_mi
10 years ago
Life is good now!
sleeperblues
10 years ago
I was worried also. Glad to see you are well:)
chisue
10 years ago
Congratulations to the GardenWeb posse for 'rounding you up' and 'reeling you back in'. Hope both you and your garden continue to thrive. Good luck with the new MD.
sylviatexas1
10 years ago
I love this place.
dandyrandylou
10 years ago
Well, olejoyful - it must feel great to be missed by so many caring people! I for one am delighted you feel up to gardening which I consider A1 therapy for anyone. If I lived closer and your friend was unable to have lunch with you, I would surely try to worm my way in as I love good food and wonder what you two usually eat when you get together. Bless you, and please continue to feel better every day.
User
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Hi! Glad to know your just really busy....
marcopolo5
10 years ago
Count me as another person happy to hear you are ok.

Also would like to say how good it is to see so many folks concerned about someone being absent. With so much "ugly" stuff happening, this group has reassured me, most people are kind and thoughtful. Glad we all got to smile today.
carabubble
10 years ago
So thankful that you're enjoying the garden and that we're going to continue to enjoy your gentle wit and kind words. Take care.
Sue_va
10 years ago
Now let this be a lesson to you, and don't ever do it again! You are such a mainstay here, there has been an empty chair at the table. So good to have you back!
cynic
10 years ago
I was sure you were just busy as you always keep yourself. Nice to see you back if only for a bit. Back to work I presume? Out getting more "dirt" on people I suppose. :)

And I'm glad to hear the troops didn't break down the outhouse door with the battering ram while you were "indisposed".

ole joyful calling

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