From Coal Oil Lights to Satellites
Memoirs of a Haliburton County Redneck
Ray Miller
Reader's Comments
The author reflects on the lives of his family and friends as chronicled from personal journals and memories. The descriptions of events are so vivid that you are able to relate to your own childhood memories and experiences. At the children's toboggan party, I could envision the frosty cold night with snow crunching under my feet. The book is of interest to all ages especially young people as it portrays a different time where family values and friends were of the utmost importance. Very entertaining, well written and a joy to read.
Chatham,Ont.
Congratulations! We have so very much enjoyed your book purchased at the downtown bookstore. I could not believe all of your experiences since I last remembered seeing you in the late l960's. Wow! I know I will reread it many times.
Minden, Ont.
Thank you so much for the book which arrived today. I've read the first two chapters already. I am enjoying it very much so far, thanks for writing it!!
Fort Erie, Ont.
Just a quick note to let you know how much I love your book. I cannot put it down. Although I am slightly younger than you, most of your stories are relevant to my life as a young person raised in Haliburton County on a farm. I love the honesty in which you have written some of the chapters (being fired or screwing up on something). As most of the people you refer to in your book are people I either know or have heard of, I enjoy reading the stories of their lives as well. For instance, Glady Kellet is my great aunt (Wanda and Garnet Davis being my parents).
I know of several people who are currently looking for a copy of your book. I bought mine at Minden Book and Stationery but it was the last copy. Can you let me know where else copies are available - they make great gifts.
Thank you again for taking the time to put your thoughts and memories on paper for all of us to enjoy. Well done!
Minden, Ont.
Congratulations on all your hard work.
Rogart,Sutherland.
United Kingdom
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your book. Thank you for writing it.
Edmonton, Alberta
I am enjoying your book - certainly a labour of love I'm sure.
Edmonton, Alberta.
Hi Ray,
I have just read my Christmas present which is your book. What a great story. Wish I had known you as a young person. Talk about a master of all,, you are it.
Now get your playboy ,, a smoke and a beer and put your feet up and be proud All the best to you
Don Cameron
Canoe FM, Haliburton Ontario.
Dear Mr. Miller;
I received a copy of your book From Coal Oil Lights to Satellites from my sister Helen Burk for Christmas and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it. You told it as it was back then all the hard work, how many hours we worked and most of times we enjoyed it.
Alot of people I didn't know but I am a close friend of Yvonne & we got in trouble a couple of times (ha) & of course Carl & Ross Dugan, Ruby & Mervin & Aunt Maggie.
I worked at Dart's Bakery and Hewitt's Tranport used to deliver maybe you were one of the drivers. My late husband Jack drove the bread truck and also drove a school bus for Mark Schell a short time.
I was pleased to read that you got your eye sight back and your license.
Thanks again for a Terrific Book.
I think Helen bought a dozen books.
Sincerely
Jean Dart
Oshawa, Ontario
Hi Ray,
It's Bill Davis writing to you.
I was at your place with my brother-in-law the 1st or 2nd Saturday in January 2007 and purchased 2 copies of your FROM COAL OIL LIGHTS TO SATELLITES. My brother-in-law also purchased a copy.
I wish to thank you and your wife for your wonderful...down to earth welcoming...hospitality.
I have made it to Deep Bay a couple of times since, doing some ice fishing, but have not made it the rest of the way to purchase another copy of your book. A gentleman that I work with, Bill Nichols, is going over to Scotland this weekend to visit his father, Ernie Nichols. Ernie is 84 years old, and still charms the ladies.
I would like to send Bill with a copy of your book for Ernie.
Would you please scribe in the front page of your book "To Ernie Nichols: As you read, I am sure you will observe many differences in the climate and terrain in the near north of Ontario as compared to Scotland. And, you will see many similarities in growth and development. Sincerely, Ray Miller"
Or some words to that nature.
In order for the book to get back here by Friday, please ship it via FEDERAL EXPRESS. "Collect".
My word that I mailed the draft is good Ray. And may the spirit of my deceased Aunt Minnie Davis ban me forever from Haliburton County if you do not receive the draft. If that happens, there will be many places that I will not be able to ice fish.
Hope you can provide me with the foregoing request. If you cannot please e-mail me, and I will come Friday night to pick it up.
Thanking you in advance for your valuable effort. The next time I have a bit of spare time in the area, I will offer you the beer.
Yours truly,
Bill Davis,
Toronto
