ISBN 09968606-3-3 - 116pp - 5 1/8" 1/2 x 7 1/2" - pb - $13.95 CAD

AN EXCERPT FROM A LONG WAY FROM THE ROAD: THE WIT AND WISDOM OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Humour by David Weale
Illustrated by Dale McNevin

In his introduction, "Desperate Funny," Weale writes:
From one tip of Prince Edward Island to the other, the burden of existence has always been lightened by the droll humour and funny stories that are the standard fare of daily conversation. In a society that was often difficult, even grim, humour was the saving grace: a seasoning of mirth which made life more palatable. Along with hard work and deep faith, it was the omnipresent laughter that made survival possible. There were many lean times, but we had our own stories, and there was a richness in that.

Here are a few excerpts. With any luck, you'll "laugh until you cry!"

Two men stepped into the viewing room at one of the local funeral homes. An acquaintance had been killed in a car accident and they had come to pay their respects. They removed their caps, walked to the side of the open coffin, and stood silently for a few minutes, just staring at the remains. Finally, one of them broke the silence. "It's too bad," he whispered, "but one good thing about it, he wasn't badly hurt."

Years ago, in North Rustico, the community had gathered to honour one of its eldest residents, Eliza, who was celebrating her ninetieth birthday and was in remarkably good health — except for her partial deafness. Finally, the master of ceremonies, in winding up the evening, asked, "Eliza, in all your life, have you ever been ill?" It was obvious she didn't get it, so the man decided to reword his question. Speaking more loudly, he asked, "Eliza, in all your life have you ever been bed-ridden?" Well, she brightened right up. "Oh yes," she replied, "thousands of times. Twice in a dory."

A Catholic man and a Protestant man were walking together along a road somewhere near Morell. The Catholic man was all bent out of shape over something or other, and finally couldn't hold it any longer. "Holy everlastin' Mother of God," he exclaimed vehemently. Well! The Protestant man was deeply offended. "I don't know why you call her holy!" he remonstrated, "she's no different that n my own mother." "Perhaps not," replied the Catholic man, "perhaps not. But quite a difference in the boys."

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