It was not long after my arrival in Almonte in 1976 (now almost precisely 50 years ago) that I first heard the comic proclamation: “Hurray! Hurray! The first of May! Outdoor screwing starts today!” It was told to me by a white-haired Mrs. Annie Honeyborne, my neighbour (and her husband Frank aka “Honey”) directly across the street. It was on that identical corridor (Martin St S) that in the summer of 1976 I witnessed a float celebrating the Almonte Fair.  The float had displayed on it a large banner which simply said, “Gidday!” My introduction was complete! It has survived as a test of the truly local candidate.

Forgive me for repeating the common refrain, “What is the world coming to!” but one cannot listen to the news on any channel without becoming disappointed – disappointed that misery, violence and war have infected the condition humaine. While it is unlikely to avoid being perturbed by the intelligence, I am happy to have the inexpressible privilege to contemplate these matters from the indisputable advantage of my present circumstances. First and foremost, I’m still here to talk about it. Second, we inhabit a singular residence overlooking endless farmland and upriver.