The other morning, while waiting in line for my Timmie fix, I contemplated which public trail I would walk. I walk most days during the Winter, because, as a senior citizen, I can surround myself with nature as I attempt to keep fit.
The long line up allowed time for one of the other regulars, also in line, to quite loudly question my commitment to preventing Brantford City Council from selling Arrowdale, a small nine hole golf course, supported by tax dollars, and useful to such a small number of golfers. This did not sit well with him.
As our wait continued, I decided to share  a story with him.
I started by telling him that about a week ago, with my coffee in hand, I set out to walk the entire Arrowdale acreage. I chose to walk each fairway in a direct manner, which is impossible while chasing a golf ball.
At the end of the first fairway, I came to a high point, allowing for a panoramic view of all 49 acres.
The snow had smoothed out the terrain, like the front of a Christmas card, all blacks and whites, under a cloudless blue sky.
The bunkers and putting greens had all been completely camouflaged. Snow laden tree branches assisted in muting the sounds of the surrounding city.
To my left, a flash of brilliant red, as a cardinal slipped into the protective bushes.
Then the raucous scolding of a blue jay scolding some squirrels.
As I crossed the flat of one putting green, I noted the the lone hoof prints of a white tailed deer.
Soaring above, a red tailed hawk. The screech warned the squirrels and rabbits and birds to take cover.
I continued to tell him of the brightly coloured ski jackets worn by snow boarders racing down a steep slope.
And the delightful sound of children laughing as they tobogganed down a gentle hillside.
And gradually becoming more audible, the deliberate and regular glide of a cross country skier, crossing a lower fairway.
As I returned to my car, I was greeted by a family, out for a dog walk.
And so, as I finished my story, with everyone in line now my audience, I ended it by saying...
During this amazing experience, and all that I had observed, I saw not one golfer!