Freedom to Play: We Made Our Own Fun

BIRDS RETURNING

ready to be launched. Unlike our impractical creations, Jimmy’s salmon box boat, ugly duckling that it was, floated perfectly. Jimmy manned the oars and I sat on a large rock in the stern to provide ballast. We went for a short row, close to the beach and around the piles of Frizzell’s wharf. Except for the splashes from a few wavelets that wet the seat of my pants this sea trial was entirely successful. It is not surprising that when he grew up Jimmy Donaldson became a successful boatman. As children we learned how to handle small boats sensibly, but we were also on a first-name basis with all the larger craft on the river. BIRDS RETURNING Pathfinder Page, Free Press Prairie Farmer April 2, 1919 MARGARET DWYER (10) Oak Point, Man. Dear Pathfinders: I had almost given up all hopes of writing. I have written six times and only saw one in print. Well, I hope the W.P.B. [waste paper basket] is asleep when this one goes by for he sure likes to take my letters. Spring is near. The horned lark and whiskey jack are back, and the crows will soon be coming. The blue-jay, Arctic owl, sparrows, and the wood-peckers stay here all winter. You may pick out the one you think is best and print it if you wish. My ambition now is to be when I am older a schoolteacher . I like school well. I am ten and am in grade five. I own one pure Holstein calf. Her name is Mollie, and she is registered. I would like [some] merry person to write to me. I will answer all letters. 150 Freedom to Play ...