Stories from the Stringam Family Ranches of Southern Alberta

From the 50s and 60s to today . . .



Wednesday, September 19, 2018

More Than Talk

Because today is, in many parts of the world, Talk Like A Pirate Day, I am re-introducing the Tolley Pirate Ship!
From a post of July 2, 2012:

For several months, my Husby's health wasn't . . . very good. 
In fact, we were quite worried about him.
But, with excellent medical care and ongoing treatment, he has stepped back from the brink. I'll bless forever the Canadian Health Care system!
Ahem . . .
The conception and planning for a new project completed the cure.
I present his 'cure'.
The New Tolley Grandchildren Playhouse


We now have a pirate ship in our backyard.
Or as my Husby prefers to call it, a 'Pie-Rat' ship.
I won't mention the looks we have been getting from the neighbours.
Or the speculation over whether 'we know something they should know'.
And the watching of the sky for the threat of heavy rains.
Moving on . . .
Our ship is built completely out of recycled and scavenged materials.
It consists of three levels.
Spiral staircase.
Rope ladders.
A plank, ideal for walking into the family pool.
A slide.
Swings.
And a flag picturing a pie and crossed forks.
I should probably mention that we rather like pie.
Hence the renaming of all grandchildren, 'Pie-Rats'.

Looking forward

The spiral

Looking back
Photos by: Kallie Tolley
We opened it to the grandchildren - ahem - Pie-Rats, on Saturday (June 30, 2012).
Following very brief speeches.
The tossing of a pie.
And the equipping of grandchildren with the necessities.
Pirate headscarves.
Swords.
And lots and lots of food.
I think it is a hit.
Who says the Tolleys don't know how to party?!

P.S. This story was picked up and broadcast worldwide a few months after the 'launch'. Enjoy!
https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=437861

7 comments:

  1. I remember this....is it still being enjoyed?

    ReplyDelete
  2. I remember when you Christened that ship. Quite a task overall. The amount of smiles could never be counted. Hard to believe it's going onto 7 years since that day...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, I might add that Dad used that first photo on the desktop of his computer...

    ReplyDelete
  4. OMG. That looks so cool, Diane! What talented builders you all are. So happy your husband is feeling better. This was probably good for his soul.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh what fun. I am so very glad to hear that your husband's health has improved.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your Pie-Rats are so lucky! That is quite an edifice :)

    And to think I contemplated posting a picture of a little white kitten saying "Aarrr matey" for Talk Like A Pirate Day. I'm glad I didn't; it would pale so in comparison!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I LOVE the Pirate Ship Playhouse and would like to save the photos to show a friend who has a new baby boy, I think he would love to build something similar for when the baby is older.

    ReplyDelete

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