Olympic Torchbearer Fizan Jaffar

Olympic Torchbearer # 129, Fizan Jaffar, identified himself in a photo that we posted. As Fizan was unable to take pictures the day of his historic run, he welcomes any additional photographs that may exist. If anyone has pictures, or knows of anyone who may have pictures, taken along Munsee St. between J. L. Michener Public School and the Cayuga ball park, please contact us at lwalker@mountaincable.net and we will be pleased to put you in touch with Fizan.

Certified Service Dog ~ Gordon

Gordon wishes to say "Happy New Year" to everyone. Suitably dressed for our Canadian winter in his warm coat and red boots, Gordon visits the bookshop. A certified service dog, he enjoys his leisure time.

His original owner had expectations for Gordon on the racetrack, but greyhound racing was never Gordon's dream. (Second only to the cheetah, greyhounds are the fastest animal in the world.) Trampled on the track early in his non chosen career, Gordon became shy of the sport.

We join Gordon in wishing all of our friends a Happy New Year and all the best in 2010.

Old Days Old Times Old Friends

Never a Christmas Morning
Never the Old Year ends
but Somebody thinks of Somebody
Old days Old times Old friends

We are not certain of the origin of the above. Christmas and the end of another year is certainly a time for refection. It is a time when many of us make resolutions. Perhaps simply a vow to do better covers it all!

Auld Lang Syne

Auld Lang Syne or "For old times' Sake..." is associated not only with New Year's Eve but often sung at farewells of any kind.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you'll buy your pint cup!
and surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o'kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS:

We two have run about the shopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS:

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine';
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS:

And there's a hand my trust friend!
And give us a hand o'thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS:
Scottish poet, Robert Burns, 1759 - 1796.

Loss of a Friend

Today we go to a funeral for an old friend. Suddenly, the joys of Christmas, family laughter and future dreams fade with the passing of a husband, a father and a grandfather. Plans for the new year are lost in sadness and in sorrow.


We are thinking of those many folks for whom hearts are heavy at this time of year. May we hold dear, precious memories of our loved ones.

Walt Witman's words serve as a reminder:


"Thanks in old age ~ thanks ere I go,
For health, the midday sun, the impalpable air ~ for life, mere life,
For precious ever-lingering
memories, (of you my mother dear ~ you,
father ~ you, brothers, sisters, friends.)
For all my days..."

Mark Twain

Your smile for today ~


"When I was younger I could remember anything whether it happened or not."

~ Mark Twain, American author, 1835 - 1910

Olympic Torch in Cayuga

Torchbearer #129, Fizan Jaffar from Montreal, Quebec, ran in Cayuga, Ontario on Monday, December 21, 2009. Fizan was not able to take pictures of his historic run; if anyone has photographs, he would be pleased to have them.

Please contact Fizan through The Neat Little Bookshop blog at lbwalker@shaw.ca

Munsee St., Hwy. 54, to the Town of Haldimand Administration Building. December 21, 2009