The lady at the Tim Horton's take-out window is telling me that she cannot take my money. Puzzled, I hesitantly accept the change that she is offering me. I also get change?

There are days that ~ for whatever reason ~ it requires extra discipline to show up for work. Today was one of those days. With the Christmas season fast upon us, comes the various festive events, the extra baking and the gift-giving. It is easy to become overwhelmed. It takes a strong person to decline invitations and keep things simple ~ and to get one's sleep! In all the years of retailing, I have offered these few simple words to tired shoppers, "I think we try to do too much." Without exception, the response is always the same -- a huge sigh and hopefully a recognition of how we can step back and look at the big picture.

Someone ahead of me in the long line-up this morning at Tim Horton's had paid in advance for my order. This single spontaneous act of kindness renewed my appreciation for yet another precious new day. Bless you, dear friend!

Your smile for today ~

"Revise and revise and revise ~ the best thought will come after the printer has snatched away the copy."
~ Michael Monahan

Antiques and Collectibles

Towpath on The Grand seemingly features one-of-a-kind fascinating items, hand-picked by the owner, Jim Gibson, in his travels.

There is ivory, glass, china, ebony, pewter, paper, tin, iron, metals and wood ~ you name it ~ all finely crafted into the most incredibly unique antiques and collectibles beautifully displayed and guaranteed to enthrall even the modernist.

For gifts that say, "I love you" get lost for a day in Jim's world. You might want to call first (Jim is always on the "hunt").

Visit Towpath on The Grand, 14 Talbot Road W., (Highway 3) in the Village of Cayuga before you cross the bridge ~ just around the corner from The Neat Little Bookshop.

Telephone: 905-772-0014

Photo: by Lorna. Click to view larger image. l-r Bob Blakeley, Cheryl MacDonald, Owner Jim Gibson

Histories of Haldimand County

Cheryl MacDonald and Bob Blakeley are signing books at The Neat Little Bookshop, Cayuga St., between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. today.

Books that promise to assist with your Christmas gift list.

Topics include the War of 1812, Haldimand and Norfolk history, Laura Secord, Dangerous Women of Ontario and Who killed George?

Meet the authors in person, ask your most pressing questions about writing, publishing and promoting and pick up a couple autographed books. After all ~ there is nothing like a good book!

Avid Readers

Beautiful ladies ~ Avid readers, Yvonne and Maddie

Welcome Bikers

Every Friday the 13th, Port Dover, Ontario, welcomes hundreds of motorcycles. The rumble of bikes is heard as they travel through Cayuga.

Photos: by Lorna

Treasured Photographs of Cayuga Ontario

Armistice Day ~ Courthouse Grounds

To view larger image, click on photo.