Give The Gift Of Time

Why is it that we equate Christmas gift giving with spending a lot of money? Time is a person’s most valuable possession and the gift of our time is the most precious gift of all. That is especially true today, given the fast pace of our lifestyle. Are finances keeping you from experiencing the joy

Counting The Birds‚ ‘Til Christmas (And Afterwards Too)

Atatimeofyearmost arehuddledindoors, orflockingtoshopping malls,afewhardysouls setouteagerlytovisitthe fieldsandwoods. They split up into small teams early in the day, travelling by car to scan the back roads for their quarry. Gathering at day’s end, they talk excitedly about what they saw, lament over what they didn’t, and tally their findings. There’s food and laughter and fellowship too. They


Late-Morning, Late-Night Eating Ahead

With Christmas day just two sleeps away, and a few days of holidays ahead, many of us are about to assume a much-anticipated lighter schedule. There’ll be more sleeping late (except on Christmas morning, of course) and bedtimes at later hours as we take some time to relax at home. These days between Christmas and

Winter Reading

If you’re looking for some Christmas reading for yourself, or for gifts for family and friends, here’s a sample of 2010 releases published by rural Manitoba writers plus a few additional titles you’re certain to enjoy. Manitoba Wild By Bill Stilwell Bill Stilwell shares his firsthand knowledge of Manitoba’s best-kept scenic secrets with his newest


Send Your Recipes Or Recipe Requests To:

If you haven’t started nibbling yet, it won’t be long before Christmas cookies will be here, there, everywhere and completely irresistable. Every family has their favourites. Mine is my sister’s cherry-centred dainty. They disappear as quickly as she sets them out. Their only rival is my Mom-in- law’s substantial slices of sweet shortbread which are

Canadian Pulse Processor Scoops International Business Award

Best Cooking Pulses, Inc., a Canadian-owned pulse-processing firm, has picked up an international award recognizing excellence among women-owned businesses. The award was presented by WEConnect Canada at the 2nd Annual WEConnect Canada national conference in Toronto from November 8 to 10, 2010. The company won the “Done Deal” award in the International category. WEConnect Canada


Tracking The Bears

Manitoba Natural Resources and the Canadian Park Service commissioned a study in the ’80s to try and discover if bear movements, home ranges and densities were influenced by the placement of hunting baits around the periphery of Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP). With the use of spring-activated cable snares and culvert traps set at various



Decorating Ideas For The Holiday Table

Whether you’re dining with family or a group of friends, a beautiful Christmas table really sets the mood for a wonderful evening. Here’s some festive ideas: or some body part fell off. Why not put these holiday trinkets to good use this year for your table setting? Lay ornaments in glass bowls either in a

Gather Up The Cones And Make A Wreath

Nature walks supply us with healthy exercise and many craft materials. If you have a supply of pine cones, why not display them in a wreath? Working on your own or with young people, the cardboard base makes it much easier to assemble. Materials: An assortment of pine cones Glue gun 8-or 10-inch shaped wire