When my sister, Roberta, died of cancer at age 49 in July of 2004, I decided to plant a small mugo pine in our front yard. Like others who have lost loved ones, I wanted to have a living memorial for my sister. I named the mugo pine … Read more

Yesterday, about noon, we had the first snowfall of the year. I was out running an errand over the lunch hour, when, as the weather reports warned us, the snowflakes started to fall. Anyone I met during the course of … Read more

On a recent trip to the grocery store, I was annoyed with the cashier who was putting too many items into each bag. She indicated that the store was saving bags. I was annoyed enough to stop shopping there for … Read more

Recently, I had the unexpected pleasure of attending a production of the musical, Godspell, which was presented by a local theatre company. I felt prompted to attend the performance to see if there was anything new I would learn about … Read more

Several months ago, I was involved in a traffic accident while driving along a major roadway in a shopping mall parking lot. My car was hit by a driver coming out of an aisle, resulting in $2,100 damage to the … Read more

On Christmas Eve after supper, we like to attend the Christmas Eve worship service at our church. It is usually a wonderful service, full of candlelight, music, and readings. Sometimes we participate as lay readers. When we return home after … Read more

It's time to send out those Christmas letters to our family and friends. We might call them our annual report, and if we were to save them and make them into a collection we would have compiled our family history. … Read more

Several months ago, I attended the Power Athletic Cheerleading Competition for Western Canada at the new Physical Activity Complex on the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) campus in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Previously, I had witnessed such events only on … Read more

As a young girl, I was always an "ideas" person. "Ideas" came naturally to me, so it didn't take much imagination at Christmas to suggest to school friends that we should gather together as a group to go carolling. The … Read more

Advent is one is my favourite times of the year, and the reason for this is the opportunity which it presents to help other people. Over the past couple of years, the Advent appeal in our congregation has taken an … Read more

Cressman Lake, named after my mom's brother, the late Charles H. (Herb) Cressman (R.C.A.F.), is located at latitude 59 degrees 59 minutes north and longitude 109 degrees 8 minutes. It is one of many lakes in Saskatchewan, Canada, which are … Read more

Most women my age seem to enjoy driving their vehicles, but I have always been very much afraid of driving. Although I was able to drive short distances, I did so reluctantly. About four years ago, I realized that, if … Read more

When I was a young girl, I went shopping with my grandfather. It is the only time I can remember going on a shopping trip with him. I saw a lovely Christmas wreath, and my grandfather, knowing that it would … Read more

I work on a university campus, and September is always an interesting but hectic month. The students, fresh from summer vacations or jobs, populate the campus to study in their respective fields. There is a friendly rivalry between various types … Read more

One day, I was waiting in line at the automated teller, when I noticed a father, with two young children, conducting his banking activities. He carefully placed his children on a seat that was within his reach so that he … Read more

One Sunday, the minister preached a sermon on today's scripture, and I was very surprised. I thought that this text was directed at the religious leaders of Jesus' day, but apparently I was wrong, as it is directed at each … Read more

The Japanese lilac tree in the front yard has not done well since it was planted three years ago. We had great hopes for this tree to be lovely, but the best that we have seen from the lilac tree … Read more

When we want to purchase sporting goods or camping equipment we usually take a look at the major Canadian hardware chain store located in our neighbourhood to see what is available. We have been customers there for several years. I … Read more

When I was a teenager, I spent hours reading poetry. I particularly enjoyed modern poetry, the kind that does not rhyme. In secret, I also wrote poems and would share them with one or two special friends. I did not … Read more

Part of my work as Submissions Editor for the Daily involves working with our writers to improve their submissions and ensure that they follow the "Writing Guidelines". One day, I had been working with two separate writers, and I suggested … Read more

On a Friday evening early in May, my husband and I attended an ordination and induction service at a local Presbyterian Church. It was a special occasion for everyone concerned, because a young woman, who grew up within the Presbyterian … Read more

A few weeks ago I received a "free gift" in the mail. I must admit that I felt very sceptical about the gift, and, in my usual fashion, I wondered what would be expected of me in return for accepting … Read more

A few months ago, our son had a homework assignment, and, as is often the case, the homework arrived the night before it was due. This particular task was to make a three-dimensional work of art that helped to explain … Read more

Although I enjoy eating hot cross buns, I do not make them. I simply purchase them from the bakery. However, I believe many people bake hot cross buns, and even a cursory search of the Internet confirms this fact. Dozens … Read more

Each time I sing the familiar words of the hymn Hosanna, Loud Hosanna, I travel back many years to a time when I was asked to participate in a special Sunday School class. Our class appeared on a weekly radio … Read more

Thirteen years ago, when our first child was born, we had a special birth announcement printed on parchment paper. We did this so that we could notify our family and friends that we had a daughter. We worded the announcement … Read more

I know a mother and daughter who collect angel ornaments and pictures of angels. Together they made a scrapbook by gluing in pretty pictures of angels cut from old Christmas cards. One day, the mother cheerfully indicated to her daughter, … Read more

It was perfect weather on Halloween night this year. Cold weather, rain, and/or wind often spoil the children's fun, but not this year. "Trick or treat" resounded from door to door. All who knocked or rang the doorbell received candy. … Read more

Recently, I looked at a copy of Invitation to Poetry: An Anthology for Junior Students. This 1956 volume was "presented for your consideration as a classroom text with the compliments of Macmillan of Canada". This complimentary gift must have been … Read more

A few days ago I went shopping for a lily for our front shrub bed. I purchased a splendid yellow hybrid lily. I am certain that, if this plant could talk, it would say, "I am so stately and tall … Read more

I am a basketball mom. My son (age 11) and my daughter (age 12) both play basketball. I faithfully attend all their practices, games, and tournaments. I can clearly remember one game that happened during a tournament. My daughter's team … Read more

In Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the homeless huddle together in Tent City, a community located on Home Depot property, to keep warm this winter. Tents and wooden structures provide a measure of safety and shelter. Plans are being proposed for low-cost … Read more

A few days ago, I went out to purchase lunch. I walked briskly to the restaurant on that cold winter day. While I ate my lunch, I picked up a newspaper that someone had left behind. I noticed that it … Read more