The Slice: You don’t need a farmer to know which way the wind blows

The Slice asked old farmers to predict what sort of winter we’re going to have.

A friend who is almost my same exact age obliged.

“For years, my ol’ farmer aching knee was a reliable indicator as to whether we would have a harsh or mild Palouse winter,” wrote Roy Dube, whose place is not far from Rosalia. “Unfortunately, with age (being two days younger than yourself) it aches year-round, so no longer consider it to be a reliable forecaster.

“I guess I could go with how heavy the berries are on the mountain ash trees or how thick the skins are on our apples (although this year the moose cleaned us out of fruit so I have to rule that one out).

“Maybe it would be best if I just go with science and count on Kris Crocker and Tom Sherry to help me prepare for winter.”

Then there was this from Max Sparr.

“Born and raised on a farm in 1933 in SW Iowa, it was common knowledge that when squirrels buried nuts and seeds close the trunk of the tree they lived in, a bad winter was in store. As I was grilling out this evening, the squirrels I feed were burying the seeds and nuts way out from the trees. So, mild winter ahead.”

Colville, Moscow, etc.: Linda Fletcher Hall had a story of Inland Northwest pronunciation.

“Our neighbors moved here from the wet side several years ago. They choose not to have TV reception so don’t hear any commercials (not a bad thing). One morning my neighbor was telling me about a good deal he got in Spokane the day before at ‘Ross hours.’ It took me a while to figure out that he meant ‘Rosauers.’ I corrected him once but he still pronounces it ‘Ross hours.’ At least now I know what he’s talking about.”

One word that explains why you quit coaching youth sports teams: “Parents,” said Dave Whipple.

Yes, I know I used the same answer from another reader the other day. But some things bear repeating.

Subject line typos: A reader emailing an answer about a beverage brewed in Colorado, referred to “Coots” beer.

Maybe that’s a libation aimed at baby boomers.

Today’s Slice question: What’s the most amazing thing you have seen when out taking a walk (assuming you ever look up from your phone)?

Write The Slice at P. O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. What percentage of the small dogs you encounter while out taking a walk threaten to kill you?