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The Editorial Page   A place for Editorial comment and Letters to the Editor   By Sandy Neilly Welcome to our 15th anniversary issue of the Wayback Times.   It's somewhat of a coincidence that as of October 31, it will also be 15 years since we made the big move from the suburbs of Durham to the rural hills of Northumberland.   I didn't know Jay Telfer, the founder of the Wayback Times, then (although I knew his music) but it's interesting that we both embarked on big changes in our lives at the same time.   The antiques business was new to both of us and it also caused our paths to eventually cross. If Jay were here, I'm sure we would be reminiscing over the last decade and a half. There are some great memories and Jay is part of many of them.   As usual, Peter and I have been racking up the miles over the past couple of months, not only with our extensive deliveries but to attend shows and make sure all showgoers have a paper in their hand when they leave. Two of these trips involved visiting Quebec, something we don't need much of an excuse to do.   The later trip there included a visit to the Old Montreal Show in - Old Montreal, of course. It was remarkable. Stéphan Gagnon’s premiere event not only showcased some of our top Canadian dealers, but he also managed to set a unique and exciting atmosphere while doing that. Our only regret was that we didn't have more time to spend there. It was a wonderful, albeit short, adventure that included wandering around the cobblestone streets and studying old architecture, eating some fabulous meals and, at the top of the list, attending that wonderful show.   Other shows were on our agenda as well; for example Picton's Crystal Palace Show and most recently the Port Perry High School show. The crowds at both were very good and for most vendors sales were strong - and that includes the sale of furniture, I am very happy to report.   There are still lots of great fall and winter shows to look forward to as you'll see on our calendar (Page 16) and they are the perfect places to pick up that very special gift for the antique enthusiast(s) in your life.   Our wide and diverse range of antique shops are preparing for the Christmas season rush, so it's wise to shop early. The gift of an antique might require a little more time to find, but what a perfect excuse to go to all those wonderful shops. Chances are you'll find a copy of the Wayback Times wherever you are. We hope you'll be able to sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy reading it when you get home with all of your treasures. In this hectic and stressful time, we would like to wish you the best parts of Christmas; the peace that it should bring, the warmth that bonds family and friends and the comfort derived from the beautiful traditions we all have, unique to each family.   Bringing out the box with the decorations that have been handed down over the generations is one of my favourite parts of Christmas. Each item brings its own special memory.   There is an angel candle from the '60s that would have been found in my stocking one Christmas morn. She has suffered some damage over the years from being in the attic and she now leans backwards instead of standing upright; but I'd never give her up just because of that.   There is also a Christmas tree music box that I received when I was about 12. It plays Jingle Bells, but the sound has become somewhat forlorn with the passing decades, almost like it's a bit tired but doesn't want to give up trying. Just like the angel, it will be around as long as I am.   Another precious item would be a mystery to anyone who didn't know the story behind it. This is a piece of threadbare gold garland, mostly just a piece of white string now. It was used by my mother as a girl meaning that it was part of the Lyons' family Christmas, put on the tree (when they could afford one) by aunts and uncles, most of whom are now departed and my grandmother, a single mother with six kids to raise during the depression.   We don't hang the garland on the tree anymore; it's not very attractive even with the sweet memories it holds, but instead it is balled up into a little nest in which a small feathered partridge ornament sits.   There are many things I can think of with dear memories attached, some more recent than others, but just as special, and they're all a blessing.   Speaking of Christmas and winter, we have some great articles in this issue, including one by Ken Linna, a resident of Michigan, who is an avid collector and restorer of old sleds. He sent along some childhood photos, two of which are on the front page. Of all the kids in the pictures you might notice the one with his tongue on the metal runner of the sled, a confirmation of the fact that kids do the darndest things - back then and still now.   It is a priceless photo, even more-so when you read Ken's article. We are most grateful that Ken shared them with us. I know that many boomers will be able to conjure up their own winter memories . . . those big old boots with buckles, hoods with zippers with huge teeth, scarfs and mittens with string, that your Aunt Martha made; all those things are tucked neatly away in our hearts, ready to be taken out and remembered fondly. Whatever it is that brings you peace, happiness and great memories - that's what we would like for you for Christmas.   Thanks for reading the Wayback Times and Merry Christmas to all.     Return to top of page   This Is Livin' Publishing © 2010 581 8th Line West, RR1 Hastings, ON, K0L 1Y0 Phone/Fax: 705-696-1833   webmaster