Two Important Pieces of Advice for Grandpa's

Two important things that every Grandpa should know: 

1. Grandchildren love treats! Probably not a surprise, but it is important to remember if you are a grandpa that you should choose something that is your special treat, something that you and only you give them. Good luck finding such a treat in this day and age! As Sherry mentioned in her comment on an earlier post, Grandpa Speas chose orange candy peanuts for his special treat.
   
   He would bring these home from town to share with us regularly. Please don't tell him that I didn't like orange candy peanuts, even when he found a bag that were fresh and soft. Their appeal didn't come from the flavor or the texture; the only reason I ate them by the handful was because of what they symbolized: Grandpa's love. 
2. Creating something from simple things in nature is magic; especially willow whistles in the springtime. The riverbank in Woodville was the perfect place to find the best willow whistle supplies.

   

   Springtime Magic

   The bark needed to be bright green (this picture is a terrible example of the color Grandpa said we needed) and the flesh had to be young and tender and moist. The clear whistle of a willow flute depends on the moisture. Grandpa Speas was an expert willow whistle craftsman! Can you remember how to make them? 

• All you need is a knife, water and a willow branch. First find a straight willow tree branch. It is important that the bark be pretty smooth and unblemished.

  

  Straight piece of willow

• Cut a small wedge from the end of the section you choose like this.

  

  Cut the end at an angle

• Cut another small wedge through the bark and into the flesh of the branch like this:

  

  Cut a wedge through the bark

• Cut a ring around the branch with the tip of your knife. 

  

  Cut a ring around the branch

• Let the branch soak in water for about a minute to soften it. 

  

  It's important to soak it.

• Tap around the branch with the end of your knife as you turn it. This is where Grandpa's magic was the most evident. It is nearly impossible for young and impatient hands to do this step.
  

  

  Tapping the bark loosens it.

  This will loosen the bark from the flesh. Remove the bark by holding the stick tight at the non-carved end and gently twisting the bark on the end where you have made your cuts. If the bark splits, start over with a new piece and soak it a little longer this time in water. Don't be discouraged, this happened even to Grandpa after making hundreds of willow whistles. If you are lucky, the bark will separate from the flesh and slide right off. 
• With the bark removed, carve the wedge that you previously made until you have cut halfway through the branch. It's starting to look like a musical instrument now.
  

  

  Extend wedge and flatten top.

  Add a flat plane from the the wedge to the tip of the whistle by shaving the top of the branch smooth. This will form the shape of your mouthpiece. 
• Replace the bark again that you removed earlier.  It will help if you soak the two pieces for a few seconds in water to help them slip back together.

  

  Slide it back together.

  
  

   
• Let your grandchild try it out and enjoy the look of amazement on his face when he hears the clear sound of the whistle.

  

  Ta-da! You did it! You are now a hero to your grandchild!

   
• Hint: different sized branches will make different tones.
• If you are a Grandpa, you should start practicing making magic willow whistles right away, as it is an acquired skill that takes a fair amount of time to perfect.