A Good Year So Far

How come children have 4-H calves but not 4-H stocks? Odds are most 4-Hers won’t be running cattle, but most would likely benefit if they learned more about stocks. We’re half way through 2009 and it might be a good time to review how the year is going with our investments, and yours. You don’t […] Read more

A Good Old-Fashioned Threshing Bee

Jack says his main motivation for hosting the threshing bee annually is to give people of all ages a glimpse into the past. Ihad seen the posters for years, advertising the annual threshing bee at a Vibank, Saskatchewan farm. I had always wanted to go, having heard the tales of threshing bees from my pioneer […] Read more


Great For Lunch In The Field

Bake up a batch of cakes in jars. They’re perfect to send to the field for lunches and can be sent as is or you can slide out of the jar and pack. They’ll come in handy on busy days when you have no time to bake and you will have a supply on hand […] Read more

Construct A Low-Cost Barbecue Pit

The ideal is to create a fast-burning, smokeless, relatively hot fire in order to create a base of glowing coals. Nothing is more pleasant on a summer evening than to sit around an open campfire with family or friends, roasting wieners and marshmallows or simply watching flickering flames. A rim of steel salvaged from an […] Read more


Saskatchewan’s Heritage Nursery

He received an honorary doctorate from the U of S and was inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame. Honeywood Heritage Nursery near Parkside, Sask., has the distinction of being the only heritage nursery in Saskatchewan. It earned the designation through the tremendous horticultural contributions of its founder, Albert (Bert) Porter. Porter came to […] Read more

High Energy Or High Calorie?

My argument is with those who insist that their product is a high-energy food, ignoring the fact that their product is a high-calorie item. The term “energy” has been on my mind a lot lately — mostly because of all the products on the market that claim to be “high in energy” or, “energy booster.” […] Read more


Succulent Saskatoon Season

Here they come! Get ready for saskatoon season and try out these recipes. They’re sure to please. SASKATOON ANGEL TORTE I made this with a finely ground whole-wheat flour and honey but all-purpose flour and sugar work great as well. 7 large eggs, separated 1-1/2 c. sugar and 1/3 c. water OR 1 c. honey […] Read more

Dogs Don’t Dig Coleus Canina

This earth-friendly annual discourages pets and wild animals from digging for a place to unwind or from doing their business in the garden. It’s a worthwhile alternative to repellent sprays. In the past, I’ve used a pair of metal coat hangers to find an underground stream of water. But that’s a story in itself that […] Read more


Finally — A Machine That Shells Peas

Celery and green peppers can often be found for half-price in the “distressed produce” bin at the grocery store. Salvage the good parts, then chop and freeze them for use in soups, stews and casseroles. Toss the trimmings into the compost pail. Waste not, want not. Celery leaves puréed in the blender with some water […] Read more

Smart Solutions For Arachnophobia

While you should want a healthy spider population outside, it is reasonable to assume any spiders inside the home will be unwanted guests. 1. Spiders are good guys! Sometimes they end up in the wrong place, however, keep in mind that they are amazing predators of pest insects. Believe it or not spiders consume far […] Read more