Richard Todd Canton describes himself as a working man. Never one to sit around for long periods of time, he's made a habit of keeping busy-and paying attention. He entered the working world at twelve, when he stepped through the back door of a restaurant and asked for a job.

Since then, he's learned from some masters and has applied that knowledge to every aspect of his life. Along the way, he's also met some interesting characters-and you'll meet many of them in this collection of anecdotes from his colorful and unusual life.

As one of nine children, he learned early on that the observant person can find inspiration in every person he encounters. His brother, seven sisters, and widowed mother were among the first to inspire him.

This memoir invites you to join him on a journey through life, love, and other lessons. He shares some of the experiences and lessons he learned growing up in the food business (and in business in general). You'll meet some intriguing characters who have influenced Canton in one way or the other; you might even recognize yourself or your friends within the tales.

Take a journey with him back through time as you meet some of the magnificent people who have made an impact on his life.

Christmas means different things to different people. To Richard Todd Canton, it means his revisiting life as a boy in a house that his father built for his family on Russell Street in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Christmas also brings with it fond memories of his mother, who filled their home with life, laughter, and love. "All Things Family and Christmas" offers both a sentimental journey and a reminder to all busy people that it's important to take a moment to slow down and enjoy the holidays.

"All Things Family and Christmas" is the second collection of stories based upon Canton's life growing up on Russell Street. It offers a poignant, heartfelt window into the life and memories of a grateful son and husband. From the wonderful memories of Christmases long past to the memorable characters that he encountered while working at Kmart, Canton paints a picture of interesting people and wondrous memories that are the foundation of his history.

Richard Todd Canton describes himself as a working man. Never one to sit around for long periods of time, he's made a habit of keeping busy-and paying attention. He entered the working world at twelve, when he stepped through the back door of a restaurant and asked for a job.

Since then, he's learned from some masters and has applied that knowledge to every aspect of his life. Along the way, he's also met some interesting characters-and you'll meet many of them in this collection of anecdotes from his colorful and unusual life.

As one of nine children, he learned early on that the observant person can find inspiration in every person he encounters. His brother, seven sisters, and widowed mother were among the first to inspire him.

This memoir invites you to join him on a journey through life, love, and other lessons. He shares some of the experiences and lessons he learned growing up in the food business (and in business in general). You'll meet some intriguing characters who have influenced Canton in one way or the other; you might even recognize yourself or your friends within the tales.

Take a journey with him back through time as you meet some of the magnificent people who have made an impact on his life.

It was upon the rude awakening of my father's death that I first took notice of my mother. There she stood at 43 years of age, overweight and slovenly. Our father had always been so immaculate about himself but our mother seemed to let herself go. Perhaps it was because she had so many children to take care of, or even that her marriage had soured, who knows? Whatever it was that was going on with her personally at the time was immensely overshadowed by the fact that her husband was dead, and she was left with a pile of children to raise. A financially strapped future faced us all. She, being of sound mind and body took on the task at hand, putting her family and it's needs fi rst, quite often doing without for herself. Vivian Gillis Canton, these are her stories........

Christmas means different things to different people. To Richard Todd Canton, it means his revisiting life as a boy in a house that his father built for his family on Russell Street in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Christmas also brings with it fond memories of his mother, who filled their home with life, laughter, and love. "All Things Family and Christmas" offers both a sentimental journey and a reminder to all busy people that it's important to take a moment to slow down and enjoy the holidays.

"All Things Family and Christmas" is the second collection of stories based upon Canton's life growing up on Russell Street. It offers a poignant, heartfelt window into the life and memories of a grateful son and husband. From the wonderful memories of Christmases long past to the memorable characters that he encountered while working at Kmart, Canton paints a picture of interesting people and wondrous memories that are the foundation of his history.

Cats & Dogs are People Too

Since we have no kids of our own, people often assume that our pets have become our children. Well, I think it runs a little deeper than that. It has to do with how much love is exchanged between man and beast. That love can run pretty deep where certain individuals are concerned. I may very well be one of those. Let me introduce you to our family and you can decide for yourself.