Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Old Hand Pump.....

Ever used one of these? They are a rarity anymore. I recently saw a picture much like this one and it triggered some warm and wonderful memories for me.

I've mentioned before that I was raised on a small farm. We had more chickens than anything else and the chicken coop was quite impressive....as chicken coops go. Ours were not free range chickens but the fenced yard that kept them out of our garden as well as everything else was very large. Inside the coop was a hand pump just like this one pictured. My dad and I both shared the love of the crystal clear ice cold water that this pump would bring to the surface. In the summer, several times a day you would find us in the chicken coop getting a nice long drink from the long handled drinking cup that hung nearby. Some days I almost ache with yearning to just have a sip of that water again. I have tasted nothing that can come remotely close to that particular strain of "nature's wine".

My family is all buried in a very small cemetery that is only about 2 miles from where I now live and 2 miles from the farm on which I grew up. Under a tree, positioned in the approximate middle of the cemetery was a hand pump so you could water the flowers you planted on the graves of your loved ones. I was disappointed many years ago when I saw that the pump had been replaced by a modern spigot. At the risk of appearing to be a person without perception....I really don't like all the changes that have happened in my little corner of the world. I used to know everyone because my dad knew everyone. Not so anymore. The farm that was home to me was sold many years ago, torn down, sub-divided and a huge apartment complex built on the land. The only things remaining are the two huge mulberry trees that used to be in our front yard. I'm glad they were spared.

I think I may be entering another phase of my life....some things that interested me before no longer have the appeal they once had. I don't watch much TV anymore, finding more programs to be witless and dull than ones that entice you to tune in. The "reality TV" has definitely lost its appeal for me....they have over-done it. We need more comedies I think. Comedies that us older folks can identify with....instead of everything being geared toward teenagers. Something to help us relax in the evening and have a good laugh. We'll see what this Fall holds for us.

My computer is sick and is at my guru's place being looked at. He thinks its a 'bug'....I don't. I think some files got corrupted ONCE AGAIN after some power outages we had recently. I'm using my old stand-by that's showing its age....but hanging in there. Kinda like me. LOL

My attitude is not a lot better than it was on July 3, my last post. I really can't say its any one thing.....it seems to be MANY things. It was as if my writing ability just packed its bags and moved away. I hope its only temporary and I will soon feel creative again. The summer has been hot and I'm not complaining. I keep thinking of all the snow and the cold from last winter and the heat of the summer is more than welcome in my book. If it makes those of you who are in the snow belt feel any better, I've read that we are supposed to have a mild winter. I hope so.

My friends, if you have stuck with me and checked here often for a new post.....I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You've been patient and for that I wish I could reward you with a witty, laugh til you pee post.....but I can't think of anything like that just yet. Hopefully....it won't be long and I can at least post something that's interesting. I hope everything has been well in your little corners of the world and I'll be back in just a few days. As always.....keep smilin'.

17 comments:

My Aimless Infatuation said...

Oh Val,I understand completely. I believe you and I have entered the same phase or are we just in the "twilight zone"♪do do do do♪♫do do do do♪? Whatever,I hope we snap out of it soon. Try to take one day at a time,that's what I'm doing.((hugs)).

Coffeypot said...

We all go through phases and changes as we stroll down life's path. It is actually one of the more interesting things in life, I think. Comparing where I am now and how thought processes as opposed to a few years ago, and trying to see where these changes are taking me. I do get melancholy, too. But there is always someone to make me feel better. Thank you bloggers and grandkids. And I use the old pumping action several time a week. Now if I only had a pump…

Forsythia said...

TV has become almost impossible for me too. I used to enjoy the "Real Housewives" programs, but, over time I began to suspect that the producers were managing the "reality" to get more viewers. At other times, I was embarrassed for the people on the show. Did they need money that badly to allow their privacy to be invaded like that? Yesterday, in the library I saw the cover of the latest Ladies Home Journal and thought, "Betty Crocker is dead." The "lady" in question looked like she'd never think of eating a cookie, let alone baking one. With a little more wind blowing her hair, slightly puffier lips, and another couple of buttons undone, she could have been on the cover of Cosmo.

Linda@VS said...

Val, I've only recently come out of a phase that may have been very similar to what you're feeling now. Mine lasted a LONG time. Take care of yourself, take some time, create some space and a happy place, and we'll keep checking back. I didn't really expect to find a post today and was delighted to see one.

ethelmaepotter! said...

I totally identify with you, even though I've never used one of those hand pumps. I am blessed that a relative bought my grandmother's old house and has restored it to its old, simple glory, with modern ammenities completely at home in the high-ceilinged rooms. She even found porch furniture exactly like my Gran used to have - and placed it in the exact same spots on the porch.


TV - the only shows I watch anymore are the old classics - Andy Griffith, I Love Lucy, Bewitched (until the old Darren left.) Reality tv turns my stomach. Remember when shows had real ACTORS and SCRIPTS and PLOTS? And no bleeped words or bare bottoms? Oh, for the good old days!

Whether you think so or not, this is a great post.

Leann said...

I am in the same boat as everyone else here. Ride the tide and it will throw you back up on the sand a better and wiser person. Thanks for the dance down nostalgia lane :-)

Blessings
Leann

happyone said...

Nice to see you posting. I've missed you. I'm sure with you on the television. I never have liked any of the reality shows. I'm a big fan of Netflix and love all the old shows.
Maybe learning something brand new, trying a new hobby or make some new and different friends would make things interesting and fun for you again.
Hope your sad stage passes soon and your smiling once again. :-)

Linda Medrano said...

I'm very glad to see you back, Val. Things get better. And even if you are in a funk, I don't mind sharing it!

gayle said...

I really enjoyed reading this post!! I long for the things of the past. I too once lived in a small town....not anymore. Everyone seems to have left their large towns to come to my small town and complained that we didn't have this and that. Well, now we do and it's just like what they left. We have one of those pumps in our back yard but its a newer version. There is nothing like cold cold water that comes from our earth!!

Joy Des Jardins said...

I for one was very happy to see you post again Val; but believe me...I truly understand what you've been feeling. I've posted much less than I use to and often feel like I don't have a creative thought left in my head. Usually I just keep posting...something; but not the content I really would like and feel my blogging friends deserve. I just try to ride those times out. It looks like so many in our little community feel the same way sweetie. And...I think we all go through these re-evaluation periods when some of the things we once liked don't seem to satisfy us anymore.

I couldn't agree with you more about reality tv...it's SO over the top now...ridiculous. I love a good comedy....we really do need more of them.

Take care sweet friend....talk to you soon. Love, Joy

Cheryl said...

This post is just the kind I like. Newsy. Honest. Interesting. I loved hearing about where you grew up and the water pump. So different from my suburbia.

Enjoy the simple pleasures of your days.

Jamie said...

I'm so happy to see you back here. My "funky fog" is lifting, in part because I realized that time is passing me by, and seriously, how much time am I guaranteed on this earth? Here is hoping that you can find your smile, your wonderful sense of humor in life. I'll write this weekend. Big, big hugs. J. :)

Anonymous said...

Not everything that is presented as an "improvement" really is an improvement. Perhaps the cemetery pump got replaced because people didn't want to (or couldn't) have to physically work for water.

I think I'd be depressed if I'd lived on a farm and later it was transformed into buildings. I watch the progress of development with dread-wondering how many acres of farmland will be covered with asphalt and just where are we supposed to grow our food? will we be importing corn and wheat from other countries because our land is blacktopped? *sigh*

I'm enjoying this break from the heat, I know it won't last long, but it's so nice not to be sweating!!

Anonymous said...

What is happening in blogtown today!??? This is the THIRD post I've read regarding cha-cha-cha-changes!!

And in all three cases, I say IT'S ABOUT TIME.

Come to MY blog today Val, and you'll see another case in point!!

Charlene said...

There was a pump like that in the yard back home, positioned in a concrete walk circle in front of the meat house.

Another was on the building back porch, where the washing machine and tubs were. I agree that well water is delicious.

I don't bemoan the chances around me. Change is going to happen and the best we can do is be who we are despite or because of it. I'd like to live another 1000 years and see what happens. Heck, that's why I never missed a day of school; I wanted to know what woudl happen.

token said...

I'm glad you're back!

Anonymous said...

Growing up I had relatives with handled pumps in the yard. The drinks we would take from them were always sooooo cold and sooooo good.

Di