CARSTAIRS, Alta. – The landmark barn at Riddle Ranch near Carstairs was a major selling point for Garry Goudie when he was shopping for a farm two years ago. The 80-year-old barn is now receiving a facelift that respects the history of the ranch and is environmentally friendly. “I think this old barn is a […] Read more
Farm Living
Big, red renovation
Conference examines church’s role
Churches can be an important player in helping struggling rural communities regain their footing and move forward with confidence and optimism. That was one of the key messages delivered at a recent conference in Lloydminster designed to examine the role churches and church leaders can play in rural development. The conference was organized by the […] Read more
Children follow parents’ footsteps
REABURN, Man. – Nothing seems to sever the roots that attach the Keens to their farm. It isn’t like the four children haven’t seen anything else of the world, but three of them still live on the farm. “I guess it doesn’t seem too bad,” said Martin, who had spent a busy morning weaning 40 […] Read more
Surgery consent form confirms procedure, risks are understood – The Law
Q: I was recently in the hospital for treatment, and before fairly routine and minor surgery, I had to complete and sign a big consent form. What was that about? A: This is about ensuring you understand the procedure you’re about to undergo, the risks involved and the fact that things can go wrong even […] Read more
How to help parent accept transition into senior’s lodge – Speaking of Life
Q: I wonder if you could help us deal with my father. He has been living alone in the family home since my mother died four years ago. The house is too big for him to keep neat and tidy and the meals he prepares are at best questionable. We would like him to move […] Read more
Slow cooker ideal for busy lifestyle; safety contest winner – Team Resources
Studies have found that smell can directly affect the way that we feel and think. Good smells help to improve our moods and often our memory. When we smell something good, our brain seems to turn on the master switch, and when we get a whiff of something unpleasant, well let’s just say it is […] Read more
Brief psychotherapy helps turn negatives into positives
Are family doctors trained to do this? Is it possible that the therapy could do any harm to me emotionally? Would it be better for me to see a psychologist? The problem with that is that it costs money and talking to my general practitioner is free. Some of these conditions do respond to medications […] Read more
Handling midlife transition
I miss those times, and I think that my wife does too. The kids are gone now. There is just the two of us and we do not know what to do with each other. I think that this must be our midlife crisis, but whatever it is, I don’t like it. What can we […] Read more
Rules regarding hostile witnesses
First, what you’re saying to the court regarding any witness you call is “look, listen and believe.” In calling someone to testify on behalf of your client, you are silently suggesting to the court that this person has important information to give and it should be accepted by the court. As a result, most witnesses […] Read more
Fruits of their labour unite family
ROSTHERN, Sask. – Living on an acreage with six children and nearly 2,000 fruit trees isn’t for everyone, but it’s a life Ron and Lavone Derksen wouldn’t give up for the world. “Earlier in our marriage, we hadn’t thought that we would ever build a house or anything like that,” said Ron, who co-owns an […] Read more
