As far back as I can remember I knew there was always a big smile for me from Uncle Sam with every visit and a hug.  

I enjoyed walks down barn with Uncle Sam, him proudly showing me his barn and critters.  

I remember when we shared chickens with them (20 each, I think?) and the big day of butchering and plucking came.  Tables and big canners of boiling water lined up for the chickens that would soon fill our freezer at home in Saskatoon.  I watched in horror as the beheading took place but did kind of enjoy the chicken dance afterwards.  

The chore of bringing water to the house from the well for drinking was also fascinating for a little city gal and Uncle Sam, along with Aunt Gladys would smile as I reached for their hand not knowing for many years that it was not extended to me but as a way to balance as they carried the heavy pail.  

My first trip ever to a grain elevator was alone with Uncle Sam.  He prewarned me that a bathing suit might not be proper attire but it was warm out and what did this city kid know.  I soon found out when the chaff started flying that I should have listened to him.  I was a tad itchy as it stuck to my damp body and the ride home seemed an extremely long distance.  

We spent lots of time at the farm when I was small, enjoying a week at a time in the summer and once without my parents.  

We enjoyed walking down the country road to Vacation Bible School.  

To me farming was a "picnic" as I remember helping Aunt Gladys pack up the lunch and the kids to take meals to the field.  A blanket on the ground, and the best meals ever with garden produce and farm meat!  Uncle Sam would get down off the tractor (open to the air) wearing a flannel checked shirt with the sleeves rolled up, again, always a smile for us.  

I also remember peanut butter.   I had never seen it in the can before, I mean a BIG can.  Nor jam (Empress, I think) in a can with a handle.  I can still see Uncle Sam opening the lid and I was amazed watching and wondering who would eat so much of the stuff.  

And how about farm fresh milk?  Yes, although I was a tad too fussy to drink something that came from "there" I know now how precious that milk was.  

The addition of the real bathroom provided much excitement and again I was fascinated to see yet another side to the man, now a builder.  My first impressions of the farm were such good ones that I knew from very early in my life that I just had to live in the country and marry a farmer.  And I did!

The smile was always there for me even in later years and will always remain in my mind and heart. 

Rest in Peace, Uncle Sam!  This silly city kid learned a lot from you and it was all good!