Category Archives: Uncategorized

We were asked to a multicultural supper, with folks from Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, the Philippines and Japan. This colourful gathering is not in the big city of Edmonton, but in the very small rural Alberta town of Plamondon, … Continue reading →

If you’re a bit disillusioned about farming, and need a pick-me-up, exchange the whiskey for this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcVpAs2FvMI (or do both!)      I am always inspired by young farmers (or ranchers in this case) who are really excited to be … Continue reading →

“CBC has someone talking about Africa and agriculture,” a friend tells me. Immediately I tune in and get the last part of an interview with Harvard Professor Calestous Juma. Professor Juma is the lead author of a study recently released … Continue reading →

Happiness to this Canadian is….skating on smooth ice on a big slough under a clear blue Alberta sky. Even better is sharing the ice with my neighbours and their children. We got a blade on our quad this year and … Continue reading →

Lately Alberta hospitals and medical specialists have seen me cross their threshold more often than usual. A close friend is in palliative care, fighting cancer. Yesterday I visited with old neighbours from my childhood who came down to Edmonton for … Continue reading →

“This is a very, very momentous moment for Westlock Terminals,” began Dave Felstad. “We’ve come a long, long way from a small beginning.” The large crowd before him was gathered to celebrate what is possible when people are passionate about … Continue reading →

Twinkling lights, good food, a glass of red wine – the stage was set. When the first strong chords filled the community hall, toes set to tapping and hearts to singing along to: “I’m an Old Cowhand”. The strong full … Continue reading →

Outside, the first flurries of the season drift over the darkening hamlet. Folks stomp the snow from their feet: “Cold out, isn’t it!” Inside the community hall a buzz of conversation greets us, mingled with the enticing aroma of roast … Continue reading →

Robert and I had the privilege of spending a morning with Bill Bouffioux, president of the B.C. Bison Producers Association. Bill and his wife Fayette run a herd of 250 buffalos (nickname for bison) along the Peace River hills between … Continue reading →