September on the farm is not corn roasts and crunchy leaves. It’s not the last hurrah of summer, complete with a Labour Day weekend getaway. It’s not fairs or festivals. Any farmers worth their salt don’t need a calendar; they know in their bones what time of year it is. There is uneasiness, a tingling…. Read more »
I was as sad as the next person to learn of Jack Layton’s death from a second, unnamed cancer. Not totally surprised given his emaciated appearance at what would be his final press conference in late July. I couldn’t help wondering whether the rigours and demands of the election campaign and his dogged determination to… Read more »
It’s probably easier for me to get excited about back to school season because I don’t have to buy shoes, clothes, and school supplies for anyone. When I wander the special displays of stationery I can cherry-pick a few items for my own use and reminisce about the rest. I can avoid the $12 three-ring… Read more »
Anyone paying serious attention to the news is likely to be calculating the shortest distance to the nearest bridge. You’ve got weather phenomena that are flooding, scorching, or rearranging the planet. You’ve got a human disaster unfolding in Africa; a financial crisis brewing in America, boiling over in Europe; and corruption and war in too… Read more »
So far this has been a disappointing summer weather-wise. In my part of the world it has been cooler and wetter than normal?or at least what we’ve come to regard as normal. Yet the conditions must have been just right for dragonflies, for they are everywhere. Not since I was a young girl do I… Read more »
Families are a funny thing. They provide our genetic material, our roots, and our history. Books and movies portray the best and worst manifestations of families. The really dysfunctional ones (and which families aren’t?) provide fodder for stand-up comedians and tell-all memoirs?not to mention the couches of both psychiatrists and late night talk show hosts…. Read more »
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit. The horoscope on the paper placemat from our favourite Chinese restaurant tells us the Rabbit is “talented, ambitious and quite lucky . . . they tend to have very good taste and are somewhat reserved . . . they are admired, trusted and… Read more »
In the past couple of weeks I’ve undertaken a significant financial commitment. There was the initial fee of several hundred dollars, which will be followed by ongoing weekly costs. For now, That’s all I’m prepared to say. I’m not trying to be coy. Be assured that when I’m ready to talk about the undertaking, you,… Read more »
Jerry Seinfeld, recently in Edmonton for three sold-out shows, dazzled thousands with his probing look at everyday life. Listening to him take on one mundane issue after another made the 13 years since his sitcom ended fall away. The exasperated squeaky voice rose as he drove to his point. The familiar hoarse indignation cued us… Read more »
Having even a left arm in a cast is both frustrating and annoying. Anxious to leave the emergency department after six hours, I didn’t ask about cast care, nor did anyone offer any. Mistake number one. Because I had been icing my wrist during the hours I waited at the ER, the pain was manageable…. Read more »