It’s hard to imagine but in a few weeks we’ll be belting out choruses of Jingle Bells, hoping “Uncle Tom” doesn’t knock over the Christmas tree after a few too many spiked eggnogs.
It seems like just yesterday I was writing the introduction to the spring edition of Sideroads of Dufferin County, waxing poetic about the arrival of sun-kissed afternoons. Soon blankets of fresh snow will replace the carpet of autumn colours covering our yards. Like it or not, winter is upon us.
For those cold-weather enthusiasts out there, I’m sure you’ve already dusted off the alpine skis and bought season passes to a nearby resort. Others are salivating about the day they can rev up the engines on their sleds and lay the first tracks across a pure white field. Snow-shoeing, ice fishing, skating … there are many activities to keep us entertained during the winter months.
In this edition of Sideroads, contributors Andrew Hind and N. Glenn Perrett focus on two such activities, one as old as Canada itself. Who doesn’t remember the joy of grabbing a toboggan, perching atop a hill, then surrendering to the thrill of sliding down it full-speed? For those who enjoy a more serene activity, cross-country skiing is also a popular way to pass the time. Each article offers suggestions on where to find great locations to pursue these activities.
Too cold outside? Why not spend a day learning to cook like a chef at One99 Restaurant? The Orangeville restaurant offers a behind-the-scenes program whereby participants can spend a few hours learning the secrets of a professional kitchen. Referring to themselves as the antithesis of notorious bad-boy Food Network star and chef, Gordon Ramsey, One99 nicknamed its program “Angel’s Kitchen.”
It’s hard not to live in this region without knowing Wayne Townsend, the curator of the Dufferin County Museum and Archives. A true-blue “local boy” in every sense, Wayne’s love of history and tradition is not only rooted in his career path, but he embodies it in every aspect of his life. Read about him, and the warm words used to describe him by TV personality Dini Petty, a longtime friend, on Page 10.
As with every edition, you’ll also find an article about a local artist; in this instance, Carla Buckingham introduces you to Rosemarie Armstrong. Andrew Hind writes about Dufferin history in an article about the ghost town of Sheldon, and don’t miss our revamped What’s Happening section, now entitled Out ‘N' About in Dufferin Country.
But, a winter edition of Sideroads wouldn’t be complete without an ode to the festive season. For those starving for new recipes, the Decadent Chef, a local catering company, takes the stress out of entertaining by providing a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect holiday meal. Trish Symons offers advice on how to incorporate your garden, and other easily found household items, into your holiday decorating plans. The Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association writes about great local shops to find unique gifts, and N. Glenn Perrett wraps up our holiday guide by reviewing CDs, DVDs and books to make your holiday shopping a little easier.
Enjoy!
Tracey Duguay