By Iris Winston “Hi, Grandpa. I’m in trouble. I need your help.” This was how the early-morning phone call to a good friend of mine began. His immediate response was concern for his grandson. “What’s wrong, Peter? What’s happened?” What is wrong with this picture? First, note that the caller could have obtained the grandson’s...
Tag - Jan/Feb 2023
The art of Karen Dover By Julie Beun Watching Dr. Karen Dover move around her solo art exhibit in the vast stone-walled gallery at Almonte’s Mississippi Valley Textile Museum is like trying to track a sparrow in a field of wildflowers. She moves quickly, with precise intentional gestures, first chatting with one guest, chirping...
Animal Chatter By Iris Winston It was becoming obvious that Tasha was having a bad day. Normally quiet and unobtrusive in the house, she couldn’t settle, even on her favourite chair. She seemed thirsty, going to her water bowl several times but drinking only a mouthful or two. She had hardly touched her breakfast—a definite...
The extra prep is worth the effort for this soup that’s special enough to serve guests. Garnish it with sliced cooked mushrooms and fresh herbs. Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 35 minutes Roasting Time: 20 minutes Serves 4 to 6 8 oz (250 g) each Ontario shiitake, button and cremini mushrooms 3 tbsp (45 mL) olive oil...
Easy to make, this hearty soup really hits the spot. Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Serves 6 to 8 250 g lean Ontario ground beef 250 g ground pork 1 Ontario egg, beaten 3/4 cup (175 mL) uncooked rice 1 Ontario onion, minced 1 small clove Ontario garlic, minced Salt and pepper 2 tbsp (25 mL) vegetable oil...
Use leftover turkey (or chicken) to create this flavourful, festive Mexican soup. Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: about 30 minutes Serves 6 2 tbsp (25 mL) vegetable oil 2 cloves Ontario garlic, minced 1 tbsp (15 mL) tomato paste 1 can (19 oz/540 mL) chunky stewed tomatoes 1 tsp (5 mL) each chili powder, dried oregano...
Onion soup is a favourite cold-weather warmer-upper. This version includes Ontario onions for sweetness, beer for heartiness and depth of flavour and a cheesy topping for extra appeal. Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Baking Time: 15 minutes Serves 6 4 Ontario onions 2 tbsp (25 mL) butter 1 cup (250 mL)...
The Serious Business of Comedy with Martha Chaves By Iris Winston Known as Canada’s “grand dame of comedy,” this award-winning standup comedienne also stands up for human rights. The road to becoming a leading international comedic voice has taken Martha Chaves to places she never thought she would go and heights she never...
Wayne Ng has won the 2022 Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence for Best Crime Novella. By Iris Winston After close to 35 years as a social worker, Ottawa resident Wayne Ng is preparing to make his second career his full-time occupation. “Right now, I’m on the cusp,” says Wayne, who has already had two novels published...
Lifescape By Janet Armstrong, Accredited Interior Designer, CAPS For me, reflecting on what’s ahead in 2023 means contemplating decor trends to watch. Planning ahead about what and how to incorporate these can keep our spaces updated and looking fresh. Some of these trends are reimagined variations of what we have witnessed...
