It’s funny what sticks as far as memories go.
Before satellite dishes and flat screen televisions, there were antennae and clunky big TV sets that received so few channels it made for a very limited choice between fuzzy screen or fuzzier screen. As a footnote for younger readers, there actually was a time when most homes had only one black and white television. When colour made its debut it was incredible – even though its quality didn’t come close to even the smallest of screens and devices of today.
It would be the early 1980s when we finally had a colour television. Our siblings, being appreciably younger, enjoyed cartoons and fun shows. One such series was about Aesop’s fables. While most of our time was spent outdoors, that particular episode caught our eye and stuck these many years later as a fond memory.
It was about the grasshopper and the ant.
The Coles Notes version of the story was the ant spent his summer toiling and slaving, gathering what was needed for winter. As he toiled, the happy grasshopper danced and fiddled, almost making fun of the poor ant for not enjoying himself more. All work and no play makes for a dull ant, he may have said.
As the seasons changed, the ant became more intent, insisting on getting his work completed. He tried often to encourage his friend the grasshopper. “Don’t forget winter, cold times are coming” were his probable laments. Much to his chagrin the grasshopper paid no attention, almost mocking the ant for being too serious and working all the time.
Once winter arrived, the ant was all set up. He had his stores of food and firewood for the stove. Then a knock came on the door. It was the grasshopper, all down in the dumps. He was cold and hungry, needing a place to stay.
He asked the ant if he could stay with him, to which the ant indicated he had warned the grasshopper repeatedly to prepare and he would not. On that basis he could share a meal, but the grasshopper would have to go on his way. It did not end well for the happy grasshopper, who had fiddled while others worked.
In recent years, the fable has been amended, in that the ant graciously welcomes the grasshopper into his home recognizing the valuable contribution that music and culture adds to our lives. The ant shares the fruits of his labour and the grasshopper shares his talent, making for a very content home.
The memory of this fable typically rears its head this time of year. Thanksgiving weekend is a time for the Erin Fall Fair, good meals on both sides of the house and a time for last-minute fall chores.
Winter is never too far away this time of year. Cool evenings and crisp mornings are easily offset by a crackling wood stove using firewood stacked and stored earlier in the season. Preserves tucked away in July and August or vegetables in the freezer add to the appreciation most of us have for good food, hard labour and planning ahead for less fruitful times.
There’s much to be learned from those old fables. There are literally dozens of such stories that offer great examples for living better, being truthful, avoiding envy and abandoning greed.
Lessons learned early can last a lifetime.
