Fall Splendor
Fall is now almost upon us. Fall colours, smells and a freshens in the air! Living in the “middle” north, we get to experience “Fall” in all its glory. Timing is everything for Fall colours. Judi and I hope that you get a chance to enjoy all the “Fall” has to offer.
How Old Are You?
Article by Gary McWilliams (aka Festival Nomad) Original Artwork by K.C. (Susan) Caron
As you get older, there are lots of great “perks”! Now that I have reached that exalted “senior” time in my life, I have started to take advantage of these “freebees” and “discounts”. Who wouldn’t?
However, it wasn’t always this way for me. I used to “refuse” to take advantage of these special “senior” benefits. My “pride” would get in the way! I just didn’t want to admit that I was getting older, past “middle age”, Judi was always admonishing me and would say ~ “ARE YOU CARZY? TAKE THE MONEY!” I used to “cringe” when she would say that, but invariably I would “ignore” her “advise”, not a “wise” thing to do!
I should have learned from my “dear learned” father who, when MacDonald’s announced that seniors would get free coffee, he started to “shake with excitement” (perhaps a little exaggerated). He had just turned 55 at the time of the announcement! He wasn’t ashamed of being a “senior”, he was just thrifty! He was a lot more in tune with himself then I was.
I am learning though. Especially with inflation and higher living costs (food,gas,etc.). I needed this kind of “sledgehammer” to come around, to be “thriftier”! Now I stop to pick up a “dime” off the ground (it used to be a penny or a nickel). I think that I am not, actually, getting “older”, just “smarter”?
As they say (I not sure who), “your parents seem to get smarter the older you get” … I wonder?
Harvesting in Ontario ~ Potatoes
If you have ever taken a long drive in the country, you know how relaxing it can be.
Ontario is especially fortunate to have so many scenic country roads. Over the past 14 years, we have traveled throughout Ontario, and have experience many roads and the communities and farms along them.
On one of our “country road” travels, we came across a number of machines and trucks “harvesting” potatoes. This was an amazing operation. We stayed for quite some time, and watched the various “Spudnik” tractors plow up the potatoes, then scoop them up and deposit them into waiting trucks.
This video is all about farms and farming, “From Farms to You!“
Ontario Community Spotlight ~ Alliston
Ontario is a wonderful place to work, live and have fun. For over 15 years, we have traveled across Ontario several times. We have never been disappointed on the diversity of the province and its communities. That’s why we started (a few years ago) our “Ontario Community Spotlight”. Each month we recognize a wonderful Ontario community. Some of the communities we have recognized in the past include ~ Buckhorn, Goderich, Port Colborne, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Wasaga Beach and many more. In fact, we have honoured over 40 Ontario communities.
The first time I ever visited Alliston was with my parents. Back then, Alliston was a sleepy little town. We were there to visit a client of my dad’s, a company called Diamond Wood Products. Some of the older residents may remember the company. It manufactured caskets. Being young, I wasn’t that impressed, but it was an experience that I will never forget. The owner of the business, a real joker, asked my mom if she’d like to try one out. She declined the offer and I don’t think she was that impressed, but he was a big client of my dad and she went along with the joke. I guess it was funny, but I didn’t get it.
Now everything has changed in Alliston, it’s not that sleepy little town I first visited. Now it’s a thriving community with Honda vehicles being built there. New plants and homes are being built on-mass.
However, if you look through the present, you’ll see a wonderful past. The homestead/museum of Sir Frederick Banting, co-inventor of insulin can be found on the outskirts of the town and if you look more closely, you will find lots more!
If you are looking for an interesting place to visit, take a trip to Alliston and enjoy all if has to offer! Take the time to explore, you’ll be glad you did!
Fall Splendor
