IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of November 17, 2016

by Katie Ouilette

WALLS, the party at “Tim” Emery’s house was to honor his dad, Harlan’s 90th birthday and it was truly a gathering in Harlan’s honor. Frankly, WALLS, I can’t name all the attendees, but surely Lew Ouilette, of East Madison, and Elene Higgins, of Hartland, Harlan’s brother-in-law and sister-in-law, were there. Unfortunately the Washington State sons could not be there to see all their grown cousins, but all Harlan’s friends, family, and ‘now grown up offspring’ (if nearby) were there.

Now, WALLS, that brings your telling about your usually writing the past, present and future in this column for family and faithful readers. Actually, you were about to tell about where this column got its name, when even Tim’s two dogs stole the show. Oh, how they loved seeing all the people! Yes, even the wonderfully happy dogs were grown!

O.K., WALLS. You knew that there were many years since you had seen the ‘young ones’ as little kids, but, as they all sat on the sofa, they were totally contented sitting with the guest of honor and listening to what he had to say. That was a really good feeling, right, WALLS? Those young adults, obviously, loved whatever wisdom-or-not Harlan had to share.

Speaking of the past. I had a very long conversation with Jim, whom I learned was great-uncle of my Skowhegan Junior High School principal, Lyndall Smith! Yes, we sure shared memories. There was much to share about feelings about young people today. Jim is a retired math teacher and taught last year at Skowhegan High School, but taught at

Dexter High School prior to his retirement after spending last year in Skowhegan.

Several people told me how much they look forward to you, WALLS. So, WALLS hope that such compliments will end up being present and future, too.

Yes, it was a superb celebration! Lew has raved about the food and has complimented every single person that organized the entire event. Every single offering was beautiful and delicious……as was the chocolate birthday cake!

Many thanks to every single person there, in fact…………old friends and friends we hadn’t met yet.

WALLS, before closing your thoughts for this week, please tell everyone about the pie sales that will be held before Thanksgiving Day. Hospice is having a pie sale at Redington-Fairview General Hospital on November 23.

Skowhegan Recreational Center will serve Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day. What’s more, if you shop at Redington-Fairview General Hospital auxiliary’s craft show, you may win a pie a month for three months in 2017. So you faithful readers have learned of what your future may bring in 2017!

Happy Thanksgiving to all from WALLS!