A Lifer Who Loves to Glide by Iris Winston “I’m a lifer.” Photo courtesy of Stars on Ice Canadian skating legend Kurt Browning is talking about how important a part figure skating has played in his life. “Some people will be the best in the room in competition, but they’re not lifers,” says the four-time world champion. “They’re not going to be skating for fun at 65 or seeking students to share their skating with or an audience to show off for. I’m a lifer who just loves to glide. “I’ve had access to my sport from so many different viewpoints, as a young skater, a competitor, a winner, a loser ..read more

Lifescape By Janet Armstrong, Accredited Interior Designer, CAPS Linen is a popular upholstery choice due to its comfort and low maintenance. Photo: West Elm Many of us want to remain in our homes and fortunately there is new research into the requirements for safety, support and comfort. There are also new products coming to market every year that support this goal in spite of the challenges of changing health. I previously wrote about some modifications that can be made to support changes to mobility, cognition, vision and auditory function. In addition to modifications that improve the func ..read more

By Julie Beun For weeks after I told my mother I was taking her on a cruise for her 80th birthday, she texted and emailed nonstop. She was eaten up with excitement and curiosity. What was I packing? (Dunno.) Did I think we should stay an extra night in Fort Lauderdale? (Sure.) Was I checking my bag? (Not a chance.) How big was the cabin’s balcony? (Did math.) I’ve always been close with my mother, Rose Pardy, but not four-chats-a-day close. Even so, as the days and weeks passed, the shared adventure meant we were having conversations we don’t normally have. It was a lot at first, but once we e ..read more

See her works in Outside the Lines: Women Artists at War, a new exhibition at the Canadian War Museum. By Paul Gessell Major General Jennie Carignan OMM MSM CD, 2020 Beaverbrook Collection of War Art Canadian War Museum 20200420-001 Generally, there have been two types of war artists. The old-school ones who painted during the two world wars tended to depict soldiers as relentlessly heroic. Then came the 1960s and the Vietnam War: Artists around the western world became more critical, mainly interested in showing the horrors of war. Gertrude Kearns, one of Canada’s most celebrated living war a ..read more

Animal Chatter  by Iris Winston How many different breeds of dog are there? That’s something of a trick question. Even if it were limited to the number recognized by kennel clubs, the numbers would vary from nation to nation. At last count, the Canadian Kennel Club recognized 187 breeds—including the uniquely Canadian Inuit dog, the Labrador retriever, the Landseer, the Newfoundland and the Nova Scotia duck toller.  The much-loved lab—black, brown or golden—has been the most popular breed in North America for the last 11 years. The American Kennel Club recognizes 201 breeds, includi ..read more

The Little Things By Jason Marshall I write a few words. Delete them. Write a few more. Erase those too. My writer’s eye is on Mother’s Day, but I can’t focus. I want to eloquently tell the world the impact my mom has had on my life, but the words won’t come. My brain is abuzz, but with rapid-fire squirrel moments. A blank screen is haunting to a writer. The fear is amplified by a looming deadline. So, I’m stepping away to go and visit my mom. A quick chat with her is just what I need. I’ll be right back. (BRIEF MUSICAL INTERLUDE featuring Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton to capture just th ..read more

This big puffy, slightly custardy pancake studded with juicy tart cherries looks as good as it tastes. It takes just minutes to whip together and the cream cheese drizzle adds the perfect touch. This recipes and photo, courtesy of Foodland Ontario. Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 5 minutes Baking Time: 20 minutes Serves 4 3 Ontario eggs, at room temperature 2/3 cup (150 mL) all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt 3/4 cup (175 mL) Ontario milk 2 tbsp (25 mL) Ontario maple syrup 2 tbsp (25 mL) butter 2 cups (500 mL) drained pitted Ontario red tart cherries Cream Cheese Dr ..read more

As time passes, so do life stages. You’ve probably forged a career, found a partner, settled down, bought a house and embraced parenthood. Then came the empty-nest years, your children’s marriages, grandparenthood and perhaps retirement. Fountain Pen Lying on the “Living Trust and Estate Planning” – Close Up Passage of time and arrival of new generations inevitably lead to the next stage: Consideration of your life and legacy. How do you want to leave your mark on this world? What difference do you want to make that will be felt after you are gone? You’re not the only one with such thoughts. A ..read more

These colourful and nutrient-dense muffins will impress even picky eater. Since there’s very little added sugar, you can feel good about the natural sweetness coming from Ontario produce. This recipes and photo, courtesy of Foodland Ontario. Preparation Time: 15 minutes Baking Time: 20 minutes Serves 12 muffins or 24 mini muffins 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) whole wheat flour 1 cup (250 mL) oat bran 1 tsp (5 mL) each of baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon 1/3 cup (75 mL) packed brown sugar 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) Ontario blueberries 1 cup (250 mL) shredded Ontario zucchini or&n ..read more

This healthy, colourful meal is vegetarian too. Cutting the sweet potatoes in half to bake shortens the cooking time considerably. Grill up extra corn and roast a red pepper for this dish. If you like a little heat, kick it up with hot sauce. Serve with a salad. This recipes and photo, courtesy of Foodland Ontario. Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 55 minutes Serves 4 4 medium Ontario sweet potatoes, about 12 oz (375 g) each Vegetable oil 1 cup (250 mL) cooked Ontario corn kernels (about 2 cobs) 1 cup (250 mL) canned black beans, drained and well rinsed 1/2 cup (125 mL) dice ..read more