It's another small eastern Ontario town that prides itself on its heritage status, billing itself as "The Jewel of the Rideau" not self-consciously but with supreme conceit. But it is, of course, a jewel of a small town, with its stonemasonry buildings, many of them transformed into hotels, restaurants, boutiques, workshops, quite beyond attractive. And if anyone's interested they can go and have a look at the historic locks on the Canal.

Within a short-walking distance of one another on the main street crossing there is a venerable stone Anglican church, a United Church building, and a Catholic church. It is entirely possible, though I don't personally know, that in small-town Ontario attendance of the faithful at their houses of worship is far greater than what consumes the interests of more urbanized folk. The town is beyond quaint.

And since Saturday was a lovely day for a drive in the country, we decided to visit Merrickville. We haven't been there in years. We used to go there on occasion with a purpose in mind. They use their fairgrounds for an annual antiques and collectibles show. This one was billed as an antique and craft show. In the past when we've attended, it was always hot, humid and crowded. Yesterday it was merely hot and humid.

Where was everyone beyond the vendors, we wondered? And from what we could see it should have been called a show for antiques, since the antiques were all ambulatory elderly, people like us with some age behind them. The atmosphere was loose, friendly, even jovial. It's a social occasion clearly, as much as anything else; the opportunity for people to get out and about and chat with others. So for that reason alone it was a great hit with us, we came across so many amenable and friendly people, vendors and prospective purchasers alike. Mostly memorabilia, items that are vaguely familiar. But more than ample wares to look at.

It was beyond pleasant, both the drive, about an hour and twenty minutes each way, driving south-west of Ottawa under a partly sunny sky with a high temperature of 27 degrees and somewhat humid. We had reason to be thankful for a good, stiff breeze at the fairgrounds.

We'd gone off earlier to the ravine for our usual walk with Jackie and Jillie in the forest, and since it was early in the day it was still cool and the wind made it even dryer/cooler. We were there longer than we'd meant to be since we came across others and invariably one stands about talking, and sometimes for longer than intended.

At the Merrickville fairgrounds, we carried our puppies along in over-the-shoulder bags the sides of which are ventilated and we brought along a water bottle to hydrate them. They were very well behaved. And as often happens drew attention from others. Their reward came later when we returned to our vehicle and headed home, with some treats in their little bellies.