Q:I am not sure that I want to go through with Christmas again this year. Everyone from my family will be at my sister’s house for Christmas turkey, we will give too many toys to the kids and then we will watch my father fall asleep in front of the TV set. This is not […] Read more
Farm Living
‘Yes Virginia’ story continues to fit modern times
Specialized training keeps athletes close to home
Cory Niefer is one of the best air rifle competitors in the world but he is far more focused on his athletes than on his own accomplishments. “I always believed that I was a better coach than an athlete, but I’m an OK athlete as well,” said the native of Yorkton, Sask., and coach of […] Read more
Latimer case proves axiom that hard cases make bad law
A few columns ago, I talked about famous Canadian courtroom matters – big trials that garnered attention. The Robert Latimer case evoked strong feelings from people with varying viewpoints. Latimer obtained full parole at the end of November 2010, which brought his name back into the news. The Latimers farmed near Wilkie, Sask., where they […] Read more
Rocking horse treasured by several generations
Gift giving played no part in Christmas in our home when I was growing up in the 1940s. My parents had immigrated to Canada from Ukraine and for them, it was a time for celebrating the birth of Jesus. We loved the food that Mother prepared for the traditional Holy Eve supper and the visiting […] Read more
Simple Christmas meal leaves time for family
“Mom, please come and play a game with us.” The pleading had been going on all afternoon. It was Christmas and I was diligently preparing the traditional turkey dinner for my young family. I had promised to spend time with them and their new games but there was so much to do. I prayed silently, […] Read more
Mouth watering memories of Christmas Day treat
The prairie winter wind in the early 1930s was biting cold as I struggled uphill with two pails of well water. The water was needed to make baklawa. Every Christmas and Easter, my mother, Shams, would make baklawa. My parents were Eastern Orthodox Christians originally from Syria. In those days on our family homestead near […] Read more
Special delivery on Christmas Day still warms heart
The winter of 1945 was much like the winters that preceded it at our homestead in Alberta’s Peace River, with an abundance of snow accompanied by freezing temperatures making any type of travel difficult. Although my parents must have been hard pressed to provide us with gifts at Christmas, they always managed to get me […] Read more
Rural India; living on the edge
Western Producer reporter Mary MacArthur continues her travels across India, exploring the land many say could become the next big market for Canadian farmers. ALLEPPEY, Kerala – With waving palm trees, lush forests and ultra modern cities, the southern Indian state of Kerala can seem like a tropical paradise. It’s also home to the “Venice […] Read more
Eat, drink and be merry
DIDSBURY, Alta. – It was a warm fall day when Pim van Oeveren set up the Christmas tree in The Blooming Fields teahouse he and his wife, Mary-Ann, run near Didsbury. A decorated white pine tree in a 10 gallon pot will return to the winter greenhouse after the holiday season. “There are no needles,” […] Read more
Add sparkle to the table
This holiday season, dig out seldom used silver, crystal and heirloom dishes to serve your festive food. Holiday entertaining doesn’t have to be a formal affair to make use of fine serving pieces. Keep your recipes simple and easy to prepare and serve them with flare and elegance – hummus and crackers on a silver […] Read more
