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Fence Posts

Pop’s Recipe for Well-Being: Swiss Chalet, Vodka Tonics and Good Company

Dan Needles on how eating together and enjoying life’s simple pleasures helped his father live to the ripe old age of 97.

Jun 17, 2026

On a Short Leash

Slowing down doesn’t come naturally for active sheepdogs, or their reluctantly aging owners.

Mar 14, 2026

The Appliance Guy

Back when things were built to last, a little know-how went a long way when it came to fixing things.

Nov 24, 2025

A Bad Connection

After many mishaps with mobiles, landlines often prove to be a good defense against dropped calls.

Sep 8, 2025

Staying Useful and Relevant

Experts agree the best defence against aging is to maintain a sense of purpose after retirement.

Jun 13, 2025

Home Sweet Home Office

People often ask me what I do for a living out here on the farm, and for the last four months the answer has been ‘I blow snow’.

Mar 12, 2025

A Rough Neighbourhood

Rural living means coming together to help each other – even if you’re from the so-called ‘rough’ side of town.

Nov 25, 2024

Things Are Getting Better

Is a cut in interest rates coming? Will house prices come down? Only the chicken knows for sure, and he isn’t talking.

Sep 7, 2024

I Don’t Know What Happened…

Rural living often presents various technological challenges – but sometimes getting disconnected is just what you need.

Jun 14, 2024

The Money Pit

Maintaning a home – especially a country home – is no easy feat for owners or their wallets.

Mar 16, 2024

We Need to Stay in Touch – But Can Community Newspapers Survive?

Veteran writer Dan Needles laments the loss of printed news while pondering the future of journalism.

Nov 27, 2023

‘True Pastry Gloves’ – Stumbling Through the National Anthem

Dan Needles reflects on how Canadians seem to be the only people who stumble over the words of their national anthem.

Sep 8, 2023