Author: Brenda Wood

Remember when we learned our A-B-Cs as little children? You know, the traditional: A is for apple; B is for ball; and so on. It has proved quite beneficial, hasn't it? I began to wonder if there could be a … Read more

Two years ago, our local television morning show asked for the definition of a Canadian. The winner coined this phrase: "A Canadian is an immigrant with authority!" It is true that at one time, most Canadians came from somewhere else. … Read more

The hummingbirds are back! What a delight to watch those miniature helicopters whiz around the flower garden. To encourage them to come closer, we boil up syrup for the feeders. Hubby diligently hangs the feeders along the back porch. Then … Read more

Choosing a wall colour throws many of us into a tizzy. Afraid of change, we decorate with coconut, dark chocolate, and deep sand, each some form of the familiar prison of beige. Listen to these comments from "Straight Talk On … Read more

I had invited several friends to one of my speaking engagements, and I was touched by their response. "Oh, Brenda," said one lady breathlessly, "I have never heard you speak before!" "Oh, Brenda," said another, "I have only ever heard … Read more

My husband pointed out the two sundogs in the blustery sky. "Keep an eye out," he said. "Watch which one stays." We were delighted to see that the one to the north disappeared. This of course signalled warm weather to … Read more

Winter is upon us as I write. Fierce winds, heavy snows, pathless streets. Here in Canada, we soldier on, driving where we have to go in spite of what we might encounter on the way. Some will not clean the … Read more

My friend gave me an old magazine to read, with the understanding that I should pass it on to someone else. The first thing I do with my own magazines is to rip out all the hard cardboard bits and … Read more

In Al Gore's disturbing documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, he quotes two leaked memos. One states, "Reposition global warming as theory rather than fact." The other says, "Doubt is our product, since it is the best means of creating controversy in … Read more

Because I am not a medical person, I really appreciate simple, easy-to-remember information that will help folks stay healthy. The new stroke guidelines (S. T. R.) really qualify. S. T. R. stands for the words "Smile-Talk-Raise". That is, if a … Read more