Tucking Your Greenhouse in for a Winter’s Sleep
Getting your greenhouse ready for winter may be a matter of just closing the door and walking away, to worry about next spring, but you […]
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A Gaggle of Geese
In the fall, wild geese migrate south. But domestic geese are bred for meat, so they are almost too heavy to lift off the ground
Surviving and Thriving in Winter
Northern gardeners understanding the concept of winter hardiness. “Will my perennial plants or bushes survive the winter?” is no easy task.
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Fit ‘n’ Healthy: First Step: Getting Off ‘The Couch’
No matter where you are in your healthy lifestyle, whether you are just getting your butt off the couch or trying to take your fitness
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Celebrate the Best of Fall with Ghoulish Fun
What could be more fun this fall than hosting a Halloween party to remember? Celebrate this holiday by gathering together family and friends for an
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Fit ‘n’ Healthy: You – on a Scale of 1 to 10
A lot of times I will get asked this: What level should I be working on, on the machine? Or this: How do I know
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Dear Mister Ed
Oh golly, I got a sad tail to tell you, Darrol. It started a cuppla nites back, when Maisy got into the cups again. Well
‘Moving the Coat Rack’
We heard a story a while back about an artist who had a sculpture exhibit going on at a gallery. Near the entry door to
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Dear Mister Ed
Theres somethink been eatin’ my brain pan fer the past cuppla weeks I gotta tell you about, Darrol. Its that dang Maisy, the one that
I’m a 20-year man
Last month marked a very important event in my life: I’ve been a Yukoner for 20 years. Of course, we all understand that I didn’t
Decoding Wine Names
Several weeks ago, the Rotary Club that I belong to held its 18th annual Fine Wine and Food Festival. We had a record turnout and
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Dear Mister Ed
Let me tell you one thing, when it comes to gettin’ marryed up, they do things in Loss Vegas like no place else. If yer
Fly Fishing on Skis
“Skis?” you say. I say, “Yup, that was me out there in a snowmobile suit, a fly rod and a set of cross-country skis, need
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Pairing the Sweet with the Sweet
I had some friends out to my cabin this past weekend for a great fall dinner with pasta and several good Oregon pinot noirs to
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You may discover an ‘unknown friend’ out there …
Run-on sentence alert! You know those times where you’re walking down the street and you’ve got your eyes looking down and you realize that you’re
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My ‘Mack’ shall be smacked no more
As a young boy, I was sophisticated enough that, when given the choice of a chocolate bar or MacIntosh Toffee, I would always go for
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Dear Mister Ed
By the time the carry’er pidgins make it up to the Youcon with this, Unkle Walts and Evas nupshuls will allready have came and went.
Stellar Views, Quick and Easy
This time of year I am frequently asked the same question: “What is the best gift for someone who wants to get into astronomy and
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Flaming Dustballs and a Fistful of Planets
As winter sets in, the planets are making a spectacular showing. In the morning hours, the planet Venus is clearly visible even at 7 a.m.
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Big View, Small Budget
While the rest of the country is obsessed with the H1N1 virus and cure, Yukon amateur astronomers seem to be looking for a cure of
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A Comet, a Hunter and a Charioteer
As the International Space Station (ISS) approaches completion, it is so bright that some observers have glimpsed it during daylight hours. To do this, the
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News from the Barnyard
With winter finally here, the farming workload seems to lighten. Winter is a time of rest and contemplation. It is also a time to recuperate
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The Right Office Plant
Plants not only add life to dreary environments, they also filter harmful pollutants while adding oxygen to stale air. Studies also show that plants help
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Fit ‘n’ Healthy: Keeping the Cold and Flu in Check
It is cold and flu season and, this year especially, we are all concerned about getting sick. This doesn’t mean you have to stay away
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Harvest is About More Than Vegetables
With the market over and the garden harvested, you would think that there isn’t much to do on the farm. And you would be partially
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Wintering Your Tropical Houseplants
With outdoor conditions turning colder, and the hours of daylight decreasing, it can be a challenge to keep tropical houseplants looking lush, during the winter
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Fit ‘n’ Healthy: Those Winter Cravings
As promised in last week’s article, this week let’s talk about winter eating habits. With the onset of colder weather, people show an increase is
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Enjoy the Seasonal Scent of Paperwhite Narcissus
One of my favourite fall projects is planting containers of paperwhite narcissus bulbs. Known for their exquisite beauty and incredible fragrance, popular paperwhites are especially
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Fit ‘n’ Healthy: The Season of (Over) Eating is Here
Winter is coming and, with it, the season of eating; or should I say, overeating. Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas and all the celebrations in between, not
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Defending Yourself
As I write this, I am aware of an article, in the local paper, that is lying by my side: “Killing of women, child ‘witches’
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Fond Memories of Those Dog-Mushing Days
I have fond memories of our dogs competing in the races during the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, and of socializing with our fellow mushers once the
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What Beer May or May Not Do – for You
During World War II, the brewing-trade industry known as the United Brewers Industrial Foundation worked with the U.S. government to create a series of ads
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Little hands are ‘Kreative’ Hands
Take one child or a group of children, add some art supplies and mix it with limitless imagination and what do you get? Kreations. One
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Grey Mountain Adventures
As December begins, we reflect on the “High Lights” of November. Unsettled weather, with cloudy nights, high winds and snow flurries, offered few good opportunities
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December’s Dazzling Delights
December is, as always, an action-packed viewing experience full of discovery and adventure for all Yukon amateur astronomers. There are dazzling delights for anyone with
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Launch into winter with local writers
“We’re a productive bunch!” said Claire Eamer when she was asked to attend the Yukon Authors book-signing bash at Mac’s Fireweed Books this Saturday, Dec.
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A Yukon Galileo Moment
As the International Year of Astronomy winds down, I am often asked, “What was it all about?” and “Was there anything to come out of
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Realization of a Dream
Over 30 years ago, in a moment of impulsive insanity, my partner and his best friend walked off into the Vizcaino Desert in Baja, California.
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Another Coldest Night Ever
Our plans had changed of necessity, dictated by the weather. The light rain was turning into a torrent. We stopped at a nondescript roadside café
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Mistletoe Made Merry!
Kissing underneath the mistletoe is among the most favourite of traditions celebrated during the holiday season. But where did this unique symbol of the season
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Fit ‘n’ Healthy: Say Yes to Cheating
It is OK to cheat. I often get asked if I ever “cheat” and the answer, of course, is “Yes!” A successful eating plan is
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Christmas Cacti
As we approach the festive holiday season, the Christmas cacti comes into full bloom, illuminating holiday dècor with its exotic and abundant blossoms. This full-spectrum
Fit ‘n’ Healthy: Wanna Play?
Workouts are like play dates for adults. When our children are young, we make an effort to be sure they have opportunities to play with
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Rainbow Returns
After a two-year hiatus, the Rainbow column has returned. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance (GALA), without an active board to keep it running, had gone
Dear Mister Ed
Got yer note, and by golly I thank you kindly fer that. Untill you ast, it did’nt don on me that you was still such
Yukon ‘Duck’ Fishing
It was chilly morning at the far south end of Teslin Lake that mid-August morning, a reminder that it was going to be an early
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I can see clearly now
I can’t remember when it began, but I had been noticing that the knuckleheads at City Hall were using street signs that cannot be read
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Dressed to Kill
Samurai Sword Fighting: Part II I’m in a cavernous garage, stamping my feet in a vain effort to warm up while waiting for samurai sword-fighting
Intelligent Life ‘Out There’
Barring the whole atheism thing, I swear on a giant stack of Bibles that the next paragraph is completely true. Scanning the BBC News website
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Blue Christmas
Blue is more than a colour. And that is why Whitehorse United Church minister, Beverly Brazier, is planning another Blue Christmas service. “Often when your
An Ever-Changing Tide
There is often nothing like a martial-arts movie to stimulate interest in whatever is being depicted on the screen. For example, I remember one evening,
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Dear Mister Ed
I must have grew some sea legs whilst we was in Loss Vayguss. The hole way home to Brutish Columbya, I did’nt upchuck in the
Strength that does not hurt
The Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre and Les EssentiElles are taking steps to END Violence Against Women. The all-cap version of “end” is theirs, via a
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Dressed to ‘Kill’
Samurai Sword Fighting: Part I It was one of the first really cold nights of the winter, last Thursday, when I found myself wondering one
From the Middle East, to the Maritimes, to the Yukon
My eyes were closed as my teeth rested in the juicy, flavourful shawarma. It was beautifully spiced and juicy meat, wrapped in a warm pita
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A kinder, gentler red square
Friday at 4:30 p.m. It is a time that belongs to the working man and the working woman. It is a time when the boss
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Breaking Trail
I was excited to get going on a great un-day walkabout. We hadn’t been on a good adventure for a while due to my week-long
A Toast to a ‘Sparkling Season’
With the drop in temperatures, the shorter days and the recent snowfall, I am reminded that we are headed into the holiday season. Few places
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Dear Mister Ed
Three nights on a Loss Vayguss park bench left me some glad to see Eva and Unkle Walt back from Hawayii, brown as a pare
Winter Skies for the Cosmic Tourist
The next time you are outside at night, take a moment and look up at those dark Yukon Night Skies. High overhead you will see
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The Sacred Flower of Christmas
The revered holiday poinsettia is among the most-beautiful and significant flowering plants of the holiday season. Also known as the Christmas star or Christmas Flower,
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Looking Forward
I recently attended the Gay and Lesbian Alliance AGM. It was the first meeting in a year. The turnout was really promising and a new
Fit ‘n’ Healthy: A New Year and a New You
Here’s to hoping you all have a very healthy, happy holiday this year! Remember the following: Everything you do, do in moderation. Drink one or
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Dear Mister Ed
Darroll my son, did I ever tell you of the time we dang near done in Santa Claws? It was back in 19 and 45,
The Common Threads of Self-Defence
Do you remember a little ad on the back of comic books? The legendary Charles Atlas had put together a promo about a skinny weakling
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Sunny Side Up? Over Easy? Egg-cellent!
About six months after we purchased our farm, we decided we needed to start raising chickens. This decision came about when, about a week after
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A Tribute to Marcella
“Hey,” Marcella says, “do you want to be on our team for a bike race?” I was visiting Marcella in her store above Shoppers on
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Wine Throughout the Year
As we race toward Christmas and the new year of promise that follows, I can’t help but reflect on the wonderful and poignant experiences that
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Snapshot in Time
Another year is coming to a close and it is time to reflect on the great cosmic events we have seen, and all the fabulous
A Neophyte’s Guide to Christmas Cookies
Among the reasons I know I’ve turned into my mother: the cookies. Yes, I am the middle-aged mother who bakes only sugarless, oatmeal-raisin cookies. This
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A Happy Start To The Holidays in Dawson City
Christmas and New Year’s are fast approaching us here in the Yukon, and this weekend reminded me what a beautiful and magical place we live
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The Biggest Challenge in Life is to Lead Yourself
There is a line from the movie Evita: “it’s hard to keep momentum, if it’s you that you are following.” That’s exactly what the youth
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Chasing a Childhood Dream
Maybe you’ve seen me around the Mt. McIntyre ski chalet. Or perhaps this summer you spotted someone whizzing up and down Robert Service Way on
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Search and Rescue Association: a fine-tuned operation
Sebastien Weisser considers himself a fortunate man. When his snowmobile broke down in a remote location on the Top of the World highway near Dawson
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Belgian Street-Meat Heaven
Mitraillette: it’s the world’s most perfect food. Without a description of its component parts you may mistake this culinary art form for a simple hot-dog
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Holiday Feasting Tips
When I was growing up, a Christmas feast at our house included turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, ambrosia salad, cranberry sauce, homemade
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Olympian is a Special Gift to Christmastime Basketball Camp
When a former Olympian is willing to travel from southern France to Yukon in the middle of December you know there has to be a
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Take It In Stride: Winter Running? You Bet!
For many runners and walkers, winter signals the time to tuck away their gear until spring. But this need not be the case. I hear
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Surviving the Culture Clash
Five months ago I left on an international exchange to Mozambique. Out of all the continents, Africa was the last one to strike off my
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Cosmic Silhouettes
The weather is returning to a more normal routine, and although I do love the warmer weather, it does make for cloudy nights, offering few
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Lights of Life … for everyone
A four-foot-something tree, adorned with angels, captures my attention as I enter Hospice Yukon. The lighting is soft and I am greeted warmly as I
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Fit ‘n’ Healthy: Winter Wellness Recipes
A few issues ago I gave out a “clean” beef stew recipe. It went over very well and some of you have requested a few
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The Indoor Living Christmas Tree
The Norfolk Island pine is a popular and spirited plant that has adapted to many indoor living spaces. Enjoyed for its close similarity to an
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Who Are You Calling a Scaredy-Cat?
For a skeptic, I sure do scare easy. While I stand by the tenet that “extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof”, it really doesn’t take all
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Late Bloomers
In the GLBTQ community, a “late bloomer” refers to individuals who come out later in life. They have often had heterosexual relationships, sometimes long-term, but
Dear Mister Ed
If I recall it rite, it was that young lad Forest Gumpp that said “Life is like a crate of onions. You don’t know what
Hypothermia: Symptoms and Prevention
Hypothermia results in death far more often than many might realize. Often the reported cause of death is drowning or heart attack but it’s hypothermia
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After Jack’s Lantern Has Been Lit
Savor the warmth of this Pumpkin Stew recipe. Quick to prepare and loaded with vitamin A, it is perfect for any evening meal.
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January’s Bountiful Star Clusters
Welcome to nightlife in the Yukon night skies. For starters, let’s get acquainted with the night sky as we see it: directly overhead we find
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Dispelling Myths
I saw a recent posting online that used statistics to dispel myths about the gay community. It was an interesting collection of data. OKTrends compiles
Camping in April is Possible
”The bears aren’t out yet,” stated Louise in a confident tone of voice in response to a concern expressed about spring camping. “It’s too early.”
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Fit ‘n’ Healthy: Life After Phat Camp
From October 1-3, fifty amazing women were rocking Whitehorse with two bodybuilding pros, including two-time Ms. Fitness Olympia Champion Jen Hendershott and figure pro Latisha
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Celebrating hockey and love
Hockey and Valentines. Although it doesn’t have quite the same ring to it as “love and marriage” and it doesn’t seem to go together like
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Misty’s place is in our hearts
The weight of Misty, our 20-year-old cat, curled up on my lap, has never been felt more. She loves the fact that I work from
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The largest planet, the closest galaxy, and Comet Hartley 2
October is an amazing month for amateur astronomers. Summer constellations like Cygnus, Lyra, Hercules are slowly sinking into the horizon, and winter constellations like Andromeda,
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Dear Mister Ed
‘you mind that old sayin’ about how evry body I know is nuts ‘scept you and me, and I aint so sure about you? Thats
The Signs Point to Spring
The pussy willows are out! Willows are one of the first plants to show any signs of life in the spring. Even with mounds of
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Fine French Dining on the Edge of the Wilderness
Ragout d’elk et sa sauce veloutée au chocolat noir. I was not surprised the menu was in French. After all, my hostess, Christiane Champeval, was
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Fit ‘n’ Healthy: Vitamin Daylight
We have been hearing a lot lately about the importance of Vitamin D. Even the childhood bone disease, Rickets, is being seen again due to
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A New Year and a New You
Don’t leave things to the last minute. All too often, I get clients coming in two or three weeks before a trip or an event,
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