Middle-aged white men need to get over it. Get over themselves, to be specific. That’s right, I said it. You may have noticed a higherpitched hysteria from that group than normal lately. For as much as we like to talk and joke about ‘Karens’ — aka white middle-aged women, usually of a privileged background to some extent, whose favourite pastime...
Strength comes in many forms
In my over six decades of life, I have learned so much from others. I have seen, even become good friends, with people who overcome incredible obstacles: people most of society would write off, only to see them bounce back. For almost 10 years, I have been battling a medical condition. Initially, I pushed the edge of death to its...
Can our new norm be more rational?
Too many mornings I have awoken wondering whether I am still caught in a horrific nightmare or whether I have been transported into another universe. I’m not talking about COVID-19, or wearing face masks, or social distancing or living within my little cluster. That is the new normal. I’m talking about the lackadaisical attitude of the masses. Our closest neighbour...
It’s hurtful when cars talk behind your back
I don’t do well with technical things. It is at the point where some of my prized possessions have turned against me. I have overheard a number of conversations in recent days, including one between my cars. Yes, cars can talk. I hear voices. Honest. 1974 MGB to 2000 Lincoln: I need to have a heart-to-heart chat with you. Lincoln:...
Happy Birthday Jonathan! Parade of vehicles a gift for young man
A long line of muscle cars, hot rods, motorcycles and modern cars slowly made their way down Kingsmere Boulevard on Aug. 12. Vehicles of all ages, shapes, sizes, colours and horsepower formed to wish Jonathan Fidek a happy 20th birthday. Motorcycles coming down the street two-by-two were cool too. In these COVID times, his parents, Susan and Scott Fidek, were...
Breaking Bread – Comfort food consumption is on the rise
As families spend more time at home, people are finding comfort in a surprising source: bread. In fact, a 20-year trend of declining grain food consumption has been reversed. A national study by the Grain Food Foundation suggests that the turnaround is more than a one-time sales blip due to pantry loading. In reality, consumers count bread among their top...
If only Curling Canada would turn back the clock
Curling Canada is making rule changes this season, so the roaring game can be played as safely as possible. Among my favourite changes are putting ashtrays back on the edges of sheets. I also like that curlers delivering the rock must stop before the hog line, and that brushes will be banned and corn brooms brought back. The five-rock rule...
Camp Coffee
From piping hot to ice cold, there are many ways to enjoy the drink made by combing water with roasted, ground coffee beans. Some methods are simply better than others on a summer camping excursion. Let’s grind through how to make coffee in the great outdoors. • COWBOY COFFEE – A bold strong coffee, filled with as much character as...
It’s a berry good time of the year
Recently, I was delighted to discover Linley Plantation U-Pick Saskatoon Berries right across the highway from Bethune. While I am slowly cultivating different types of berries on our property, I have yet to plant Saskatoon berries though these are one of my favourites. I knew I had to make a trip to the farm and stock up on some Saskatoons....
Ageism Is Dangerous: Here’s How to Fight It
Even before the coronavirus crisis, people over 60 were regularly targeted with hurtful prejudices about what they can do, what they should like, and how they should act. But now, the backlash has grown more disturbing than ever. Some have suggested that younger people get preferential medical treatment, or that “older” people be restricted from the “general population” that needs...