Choices won’t be easy
The world has come together in Paris and reached a goal of limiting global warming to two degrees Celsius.It is a lofty goal—one not guaranteed by treaties between the 200 nations but rather...
View ArticleShopping memories
Early Monday morning, I was at the Den getting my ears lowered when Carol and I began reminiscing about the businesses on Scott Street.I have lots of memories as my cousins lived on First Street and we...
View ArticleOpposite thinking
In two days’ time, we will be into a new year. Having browsed “Facebook,” the thread line of messages being put out by friends is one of hope and well-being for the coming year.The district is...
View ArticleLibrary serves important role
My mother, who likes to read, was reminiscing Saturday evening about coming to Fort Frances to attend high school.Up until then, her family had lived in Hudson, Ont., where her father was the...
View ArticleTime to break out the Long Johns
I haven’t worn long underwear on a regular basis in almost 50 years.Growing up and playing outside, we didn’t have today’s super-insulated parkas and snow pants. What we had were lined jeans, long...
View ArticleLow loonie not all bad
When I was nine or 10, our Canadian dollar was worth $1.02 compared to the U.S. dollar.Those two pennies were like gold when you exchanged your dollar into U.S. currency.During the 1962 election...
View ArticleSafe drinking water is a right
Nightly Canadians are hearing the grim story coming from Flint, Mich., where a city of almost 100,000 people are being poisoned by their water.The corrosive Flint River water has caused lead from...
View ArticleToo many options to mull
Marnie and I began remodelling our kitchen more than a year ago.Marnie had never liked the dropped ceiling of the brilliant fluorescent fixtures that could light up the whole downstairs. So we agreed...
View ArticleNewspapers do still play a vital role
There has been a great deal of negative reporting about the state of journalism over the past few months.As I read the news items and listen to the commentators, one would think that newspapers,...
View ArticleNo longer envious of U.S.-style politics
American politics are brutal. Just watching the U.S. primaries and debates play out on TV, our own brand of politics is so much more civilized.At one time in my life, I often envied the U.S. style of...
View ArticleQuite a cycle of renewal
I began thinking about how long I’ve been a swimming official while at the Dryden pool complex on Saturday morning.When my eldest son was eight, I agreed to take a timing course to assist at a swim...
View ArticleSpring already has started
The outside temperature read 11 degrees C on Sunday and the forecast for the remainder of the week is calling for continued mild weather.The snow is melting rapidly and rivers of water are now flowing...
View ArticleSpring gives sense of motivation
That first blush of spring is a season for renewal.The buds on trees in my yard have begun expanding. My day lilies are pushing their shoots through the frozen earth and appearing above the last of the...
View ArticleEaster all about traditions
Easter was once a great selling season. I remember walking into Wilkin’s Flower and China shop located on Scott Street and walking to the rear of the retail space and choosing either an Easter Lilly...
View ArticleReducing our carbon footprint
If the current weather trends continue, I hope to be able to both attend Spring Fever Days in Emo and rake and clean my yard by April 22.Looking ahead on my cellphone, 10 days out gives hope that the...
View ArticleVote needed on election reform
In 1964, then-Prime Minister Lester Pearson formed a committee to create a new Canadian flag to replace the Red Ensign.The committee eventually selected an 11-point maple leaf centered on a white...
View ArticleChasing away cabin fever
This is a busy weekend coming up and the district should be moving with so many events to take in.There will be lots of reasons to travel up and down the highway on Friday and Saturday.The final...
View ArticleWhat foods are safe?
The world and research constantly is changing its opinions on what foods are safe to eat.The most recent change has come with the rehabilitation of butter.Back in the 1950s, very few people were fat....
View ArticleFirst cabin trip enjoyed
Rainy Lake’s ice finished sinking to the bottom over the weekend and the first boats started filling marinas.Everyone seems to be rushing to get their boats on the water.I wasn’t the first to put my...
View ArticleBig fires can happen here
With television, messaging, and “YouTube” available to all of us, we immediately can feel the force and wonderment of Mother Nature.On Rainy Lake, we have watched winds blow ice from one shore to...
View Article
