Out and about our eminently walkable town, it’s so nice when people exchange smiley nods of heads. And, continuing my long established habit, perhaps a brief greeting. “Top of the day to you,” or a reasonable facsimile thereof.

During the past few years, increasingly, I have had to learn not to expect a reply from many people. They are not cold, unsociable or rude. They are simply wearing little earbuds, so they don’t hear me. So be it — I just have to get with the program.

And my goodness, how about the promotion, hype and buzz around the upcoming FIFA World Cup? Can you believe it? Without a doubt, an authentically “world” championship.

So many nations are in the tournament, from all areas of our world. Are there really 48 countries playing? Unlike ice hockey and baseball, where we kind of stretch the word “world” when naming our annual playoff series. How many countries are really competitive?

So, the World Cup is upon us. We have been reading so much about the heavy handedness of the FIFA folks, and the almost ludicrous prices of accommodation, transportation and other necessaries. Whatever. I have never been a soccer (or is it football?) kind of sports guy, but I have determined to get on the bandwagon.

I am looking for a way to make this whole World Cup thing enjoyable. Help me find an underdog team to cheer for, because in this type of sudden death knock-out format, there are always incredible upsets. This is statistically undeniable.

Speaking of statistics, I learned many years ago that 72 per cent of statistics are made up on the spot. Further, some 87 per cent of Canadians think they have an above average IQ.

Rambling dynamically now back to the overbearing advertising during the recent Stanley Cup playoffs, I saw two clever new ads during Game 7. And yes, that game didn’t end well for mes Canadiens de Montreal.  But my favourite player, Cole Caulfield, starred in a new Hall of Fame ad for Old Spice deodorant: “The best smell in the NHL.” Bewdy!

Also, a new Tylenol scrolling ad on the rink boards and on the previously totally white ice surface: “Tylenol. We’ve got Canada’s backs.” And someone please explain to me, “Tim’s, tastes of the globe.”

Now, a big detour to convenience stores. Internationally, there have been a couple of multi-billion-dollar buyouts in various parts of the world. Circle K, 7-11, Kum and Go, and more.

How on Earth do they put a value on these businesses? Thousands of stores, tens of thousands of employees. Just imagine counting the inventories that have to be recorded. There are some really smart people in the world.

And I just hope that our local Niagara Avondale stores can continue to fly under the radar. Well-located, clean, staffed by friendly, informed and dependable “Avondale people.” We are so lucky that “the Avondale” is a known and trusted brand name. And nearly always has what we pop in for. Lately, they have been selling lots of Niagara wines. Hurrah.

I will ramble to this week’s conclusion by drawing attention to yet another historical giant of Niagara-on-the Lake. Do many of us know where Rye Park is located, even though it really lacks street signage, and is hard to find? Go north on King Street, turn left on Cottage, and then jog right on Rye Street for about 20 metres. Turn left down a little road that has no sign, but is “number 704.” This will take you to Rye Park, also known as Rye Heritage Park.

Not the site of a long-ago moonshine producer. A large and wonderful park with two tennis/pickleball courts, a fine soccer/football field and an asphalt basketball area. And, a very fine playground apparatus for young NOTLers. What’s not to like? And such a well-used park, by pooches and their people.

Not that long ago, in 1869, Maria Rye founded Our Western Home on this site. She and her staff and the Church of England’s Waifs and Strays Society placed over 5,500 impoverished, abandoned or orphaned children here, and literally “gave them a chance in life.”

Enough said by Ross the Rambler. Make time, and find Rye Park. There are two large plaques that detail the huge contributions of Maria Rye and her co-workers. Both installed by the Niagara Historical Society and the museum back in 2018.

You will be glad you learned about this NOTL giant.