I received my annual Greek calendar from a potter friend who, some years ago moved from Dundas to Scotland. She winters on a small Greek island, in a transformed goat-herder’s house at the top of a steep hill. She doubts I could manage the path but I have an open invitation to visit.

So far, I’ve settled for the collection of annual calendars showing simple gleaming whitewashed buildings. Window frames and doors are painted brilliant blue with perhaps a touch of yellow ochre and potted flowering plants. Sunsets are a photographer’s dream. I fantasize that next year, most certainly, I will go to this enchanting island gem set in its blue, blue sea.

Perhaps you noticed a photo of Dorothy Laird in the paper a few weeks ago, Faithful Reader? It was part of a tribute to her long service as president of the Dundas Senior Citizens Club. Some years ago the seniors had a space that became increasingly inadequate as the club grew. Dorothy made numerous appearances at Dundas town council meetings, always with a contingent of seniors filling the chamber.

Dorothy knew exactly what she wanted for her seniors. She wanted an addition to the Community Centre, the old Armoury building, to augment the space they already had there. No number of meetings, suggesting other spaces in town would do. Russ Powers and I were town councillors and we spent much time with Dorothy. “Some day you will be seniors and you will understand the importance of this.” I was already a senior.

Dorothy won, F. R. Her well designed seniors space is indeed an asset and much used by the seniors. It is rented by the Hamilton & Region Potters’ Guild for their semi-annual sales. Adjoining the Community Centre, on occasion that larger hall is used by the seniors.

I have much admiration for Dorothy’s determination and dogged devotion to her seniors. The honours she has received upon her retirement as president are well and truly deserved. Those who know her know that. Those who have not had that privilege should know all elderly ladies do not sit knitting in a rocking chair. Not the ones I know. Certainly not Dorothy Laird.

In early September, a contingent of soldiers left Hamilton for six months to augment our forces in Afghanistan. Whether you believe in this mission or not, F. R., Canada made a commitment. From the little I know, and I wish we knew more, our forces there are upholding the reputation Canadian forces have earned. If you consider that half the Afghan population is under the age of fifteen, schools are high on the Taliban hit-list, and the country is littered with land-mines, perhaps that is reason enough. Ever since Alexander the Great, Afghanistan has been invaded. Our beautiful blue planet has many places of conflict. Afghanistan is one of the many.