"A bookstore is one of the only pieces of evidence we have that people are still thinking," words spoken by comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

Yet another e-book was unveiled this week; this time by Apple. We are excited by all the attention these new devices are receiving. There is a measurable renewal of the popularity of the written word. Author Margaret Atwood assures us that the electronic book will never replace the paper book, "You can't take it into the bath." So with this assurance, we restock our used-bookstore shelves.

One certainty is that there has never before been the unlimited opportunities for publication of one's imaginings, experience, knowledge, views ~ all the reasons that writers and readers share their thoughts ~ generally ensuring that future generations will in one form or another know what we were thinking.

Visions of Dusty Rose Farm by Lorraine Toth Pierias, is a collection of poetry and prose. The reader will recognize Lorraine as a Haldimand Press columnist. Stories from the country and Dusty Rose Farm entertained Press readers for many years.

Now living in Cayuga and retired from teaching, Lorraine divides her time between her family and various volunteer organizations including T.E.A.D., The Equestrian Association for The Disabled, and Victims' Services.

The Neat Little Bookshop, Thursdays, 1:30 P.M. Series of Fascinating Personalities. Coffee pot's always on. Everyone welcome.

Visions From Dusty Rose Farm, Cayuga Print & Copy Centre, 2000

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." ~ Walt Disney.

Your Smile for Today ~

"It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education."

~ Albert Einstein, Nobel Prize Physicist, 1879 - 1955.

Dr. David Marshall has left the people of Haldimand a diverse legacy including his book Dr. Marshall's History of Haldimand County.The Marshall family is in their fifth generation living in the area. In this valuable history, the author goes as far back as the ancient stone age people and includes the native people, early settlers, the lower Grand River Valley, the Grand River Navigation Company, Haldimand's military and political histories. There are sixteen photographs and illustrations in the book.

The reader will agree that we truly live in a "chosen land, ...a piece of paradise." The people, the land, the culture, the United Empire Loyalists, Butler's Rangers, Chief Joseph Brant, the importance of canals, the growth of the villages and towns, the arrival of the railroad and the colourful characters along the way that contributed to what we today call The Town of Haldimand and The Town of Dunnville.

For further reading, click on Labels: Friends. November 21 and 23, 2009 blog posts
Dr. David Marshall, North Shore Publishing, 1997

Caramel Bars

(You have asked for the literary-hour bars. The recipe is from an old Woman's Day magazine. They are pretty good!)

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (Reserve 1/3 cup flour for caramel topping.)
2 c. old-fashioned oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup butter, melted
2 cups (12 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or morsels)
1 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup (12.25 oz jar) caramel topping

Combine 2 cups flour, oats, sugar, soda and salt. Stir in melted butter.
Reserve 1 cup of mixture for topping. Press the remaining into ungreased 13" x 9" pan.
Bake for approximately 15 min. at 350 degrees.
Sprinkle with chocolate and walnuts.
Combine caramel topping and 1/3 cup flour. Drizzle over base.
Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
Bake additional 20 minutes at 250 degrees.

Your Smile for Today~

"My first and last philosophy, that which I believe in with unbroken certainty, I learned in the nursery. ... The things I believed most then, the things I believe most now, are the things called fairy tales. They seem to be the entirely reasonable things. They are not fantasies: compared with them other things are fantastic. Fairyland is nothing but the sunny country of common sense."

~ G. K. Chesterton, English writer (1874 - 1936). Orthodoxy, Chapter IV: The Ethics of Elfland, 1909

"Shake the Grandmas' Hands"

They are two years old ~ maybe three years old. Winter togs half on. Tripping over each other. Happily scrambling to dress. Colorful boots, hats, scarves, mitts. Spaghetti legs. Stiff arms. Children not quite old enough to dress themselves. A preschool visit to a retirement home.

Adults lining the walls. Their focus ~ a group of carefree children preparing to leave. This is an experience not commonly occupying their day. Then a teacher's voice, "Shake the grandmas' hands. Shake the grandpas' hands." On cue, boys and girls leap to line up. Circling the room, children touch each expectant grandma and grandpa. The slow procession of young saluting old ~ the old seated in over-stuffed chairs and sofas. The young obediently shaking hands or playfully giving high-fives.

The image will remain in our mind. There are few words spoken ~ the odd "Come again." "Good-Bye." The adults ~ alone in their thoughts ~ will remain seated and silent long after these clowning little folk go back to their daily, busy routine of snacks, naps and playtime.