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December 15, 2005

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Gray MerriamLegaleseGeneral information and opinion on legal topics by Rural Legal ServicesNature Reflectionsby Jean GriffinNight Skiesby Leo Enright

O Tannenbaumby Peter Zorzella

Christmas trees. Many insist that a real tree is the only way to go whether you cut your own or go to the corner lot to buy one. Ontario’s Christmas tree farmers would agree.

Christmas trees take between eight and twelve years to grow from foot-high seedlings into the six-to-seven foot trees that we enjoy at Christmas. Farmers prune and shear the trees annually, to improve density and shape. We grow six varieties of Christmas trees in Ontario: White Pine, White Spruce, Scots Pine, Balsam Fir, Blue Spruce, and Fraser Fir. Farmers plant different species to provide variety for their customers, spread out the pruning work as different varieties are pruned at different times, and make their crops less susceptible to widespread damage by a single pest.

Christmas tree farming is environmentally beneficial. Each acre of trees converts enough carbon dioxide into oxygen to support eighteen people and removes up to thirteen tons of airborne pollutants per year. The trees provide wildlife habitat, and are often grown on land unsuitable for other crops, a good use of marginal land that helps prevent erosion.

Farmers harvest trees beginning in November, wrap them and ship them to distributors or exporters. Ontario farmers export Christmas trees to the US, Mexico, and even the Caribbean, and we have been steadily increasing production and export of Christmas trees. Unlike most other crops, unsold (uncut) trees can be held over until the following season, so careful planning of cutting pays off.

Christmas Tree Care.

It is imperative that your Christmas tree always has a constant water source to keep your tree fresh, hydrated and help aid in needle retention. Once you have your tree home, just prior to set up, remove the bottom inch from your tree to allow for uptake of water. Your tree stand should hold a minimum of 2 gallons of water. Never allow the water line to fall below the bottom of the cut stem, if this is allowed to happen, the bottom cut line will seal over with sap and will be unable to take up water as readily. Week one, add water morning and night to keep water bowl full, after that add water daily and maintain your water level to the top of the water bowl.

This feature was produced with the assistance of the Agricultural Adaptation Council and Kemptville College, University of Guelph

Feature Article - January 5, 2006

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Feature Article

January 5, 2006

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Gray MerriamLegaleseGeneral information and opinion on legal topics by Rural Legal ServicesNature Reflectionsby Jean GriffinNight Skiesby Leo EnrightTastes oftheOttawa Valley Courtesy of the Fall RiverPub & Grill, Maberly

Letters to the Editor

Appreciation for Roads Department

I would like to start the New Year on a positive note by commending Central Frontenac Roads Department for their courage and devotion during our holiday season.

It takes excellent operators to manoeuvre the trucks loaded with sand around our roads. Sure, they had a few mishaps, but thankfully no one was injured. In my opinion, we have one of the best crews in the region. People should understand that it takes time and skill to do the roads and streets and remember that these drivers are only human and get tired out also.

How many of us would be willing to risk our necks at 2 or 3 a.m. in an ice storm to take a large vehicle down an ice covered road when you are the only one up at that time and you are alone?

I say to everyone, stop criticizing our roads department – their holiday season was interrupted too.

- Paula Levere

Harper Fan

I’ve got to hand it to Stephen Harper andthe Conservatives -they’ve tuned in to the needs of real Canadian families. We all know that the Conservatives believe in tax cuts, and that we’ll actually get them if we elect Conservatives. But now we are also hearing some really tuned-in family support policies.

The 2% GST reduction will be direct savings on everything I buy, and here’s hoping that there will be further reductions.

The annual $1200 Child Care Allowance will be great because, aside from helpingour familyfundour child care, it also says thatwe aretrusted to know what’s best forour kids.

And now there’s the tax break for sports activities for kids. Obviously Harper knows how important physical activity is for the health and motivation of kids, and how expensive those activities can be.

The choice for my vote could not be any clearer.

- Brent Cameron

North Frontenac Township Services? – An Update!

The majority of North Frontenac Council probably viewed my November 24 Letter to the Editor regarding township services as just another bit of belly-aching from that Ompah guy again. The reaction throughout the township however has been just a little more engaging than that.

More than thirty residents have contacted me either by phone or at various volunteer and holiday functions to say they agreed with the letter, the general comment being that I was 'right on' with all the issues and irritants I had pointed out. I have urged these folks to take further action -- to phone a councilor or phone the township office, or take up a petition, or visit the mayor or even write their own letter to the editor saying the complaints are real and should be dealt with. The truth is that township services are meagre and our citizens want things to change.

I was pleased that, as a response to the letter, two councilors did have the courtesy to discuss it with me. Both felt that my complaints were valid and said they were as frustrated as I am as to why some township services are so poor. I wonder what they will have to say at the next few council meetings or during the next election? Interestingly enough, neither the mayor nor either of the two representative councilors from my own ward bothered to call.

One final and very positive note: Considering the horrid weather conditions, the roads In the Ompah- Snow Road Ward have been well maintained, ploughed and sanded during December. Trucks have been out every day, early and often and we all appreciate it.

- Leo L Ladouceur

Where is Christmas?

Seasons Greetings Canada, Christmas is cancelled. The politics of Christmas have gone askew. The proof is in the vocabulary of December. It's holiday carols and Seasons Greetings for you mom.References to Christmas are becoming non-existent and nativity scenes are rare. Christmas as we know it is dying and soon Jesus will be the holiday infant. Canadians are so accommodating, laid back and politically correct that our culture is disappearing. Happy Holidays Canada. You are a weak pudding, not the magical Merry Christmas hot plum pudding you once were. Is it the end of Merry Christmas in Canada? It is not the downplaying of Merry Christmas that threatens Christmas, it's the apathy. Soon the only place we'll see Christmas is on the calendar. I love you Canada but it's beginning to look very little like Christmas in December in this strange land.

- Dave McCourt

Good news for Seniors!

The Conservative Party has just announced that they will not only protect all our critical retirement security programs (Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Canada Pension Plan), but that they will double our pension tax deduction. Moreover, and perhaps best of all, they will create a Seniors’ Council, not of their choosing, but made up of individuals from our own seniors’ national organizations. I’ll bet that like me, most seniors have sat on the phone for hours just trying to get to talk to a live government bureaucrat, let alone trying to actually sort out our pensions, or answer some of our questions. Now that is, indeed, good news!

With a Conservative Government, we Seniors will finally have a voice at the table, and we will no longer be just a tax source.

- Val Crandall

Re:Beer and Popcorn

Election after election (since 1993), the Liberals have promised a Child Care Program and failed to deliver. Yet when the Conservatives announced a deliverable Child Care Program, the Liberals attacked it, insulting Canadian parents by saying that they would spend the money on beer and popcorn. The Liberalsbelieve that yet another massive government program (like the Sponsorship program, perhaps), is better able to care for children than their own parents. I disagree vehemently!

Looking back to when I was raising my children, I had good care-givers, but always felt I would have preferred to care for them myself (and take exception to the idea that some-one else – even a professional – could do it better!). Many parents feel they have no choice – other than to work outside the home. I was one of those parents and any, even a small, incentive may have made the decision to stay home easier. Sometimes I feel that it is only by the grace of God, that my children turned out O.K.!

Perhaps Paul Martin cares more about Liberal electoral fortunes, than the real needs of Canadian children and their parents?

- Janice Rheaton

Feature Article - January 5, 2006

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Feature Article

January 5, 2006

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Gray MerriamLegaleseGeneral information and opinion on legal topics by Rural Legal ServicesNature Reflectionsby Jean GriffinNight Skiesby Leo EnrightTastes oftheOttawa Valley Courtesy of the Fall RiverPub & Grill, Maberly

Cafe Merea, Coffeehouse in McDonald's Corners

by Les Russett

CafMerea is about the promotion of art in the community. In its sixth month of production, CafMerea has established itself as a popular event in the growing artistic community of McDonalds Corners that features local and regional talent. As part of MERA's arts and recreation programming, the coffeehouse provides an opportunity for performing artists to present their work in a comfortable and intimate setting.

Last Friday’s record snowfall was plowed away for a concert that highlighted Ed Ashton and Les Russett playing original jazz compositions with titles like "Lanark Highland Blues" and "Coffeehouse Rag". Michael "Chip" Petit, a clarinettist from McDonalds Corners, played traditional works by Beethoven and Bach mixed in with seasonal favourites like "Frosty the Snowman" that had the audience singing along. Gene Bassett read a delightful Christmas tale especially written for his cafperformance and stories from his book entitled "Tall Tales/Short Stories". Michelle Larin shared moments from her life expressed in an appealing poetic style that moved the audience. Bob Leviton bravely drove all the way from Ottawa to provide sound engineering and to record the concert for later web broadcast. It was a magical winter evening that sparkled with Christmas lanterns and freshly fallen snow.

Five door prizes were donated by local businesses. During intermission, the audience enjoyed Yogi tea, fresh organic coffee, and cookies prepared by Michelle. Executive producer Les Russett invites all local performers who are interested in playing at CafMerea to call 279-1081 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The next CafMerea will be Friday, January 27, and will feature a dramatization of the life of John Muir performed by Howard Clifford, a writer and actor from Lanark who is deeply concerned about issues involving the conservation of our wilderness.

Feature Article - February 2, 2006

Feature Article

February 2, 2006

NFCSNotes:Happenings at NorthernFrontenac Community Services

In-Home Respite Program: The Community Support Services Program is pleased to announce that In-Home Respite will soon be available to those families and individuals who are dealing with the heavy burden of caregiving. A qualified respite worker will be able to come into their home to supervise and interact with the family member while the caregiver takes a much-needed break. Please watch our column for further announcements as this service is developed.

Christmas Hamper Thank Yous: Many thanks, Al and Gail Jackson, Ron Hollywood and Peter Brugmans for their assistance in delivering the Christmas hampers in December. Without our many volunteers, our work would very quickly overwhelm us.

Community Drop In Receives Funding: The Community Drop In, a weekly drop in program coordinated by Adult Protective Services, has received $2,500 from the Kingston area office of the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Innovation grants are offered periodically to programs in the developmental services that promote integration and benefit the broader community. The Community Drop In has been providing social and recreational opportunities for a large number of people. The money will be used to purchase commercial cookware, a new stove and craft and game supplies.

Income Tax Volunteer Training: On Monday February 6 from 9am to 4pm, a training session will be held at the Child Centre for volunteers willing to complete returns for low-income families and individuals. If interested, please call Joyce, Northern Frontenac Community Services, 279-3151. The training will be provided by Canada Revenue Agency

Feature Article - November 23, 2006

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Feature Article - November 23, 2006

Loughborough Christmas Committee andEmergencyReliefFund (LCC&ERF)

The name may be long, but then again so is the list of families that need our help.

Although we originally started over 20 years ago to provide food baskets and gifts for needy families at Christmas, we have evolved into Loughborough's year round food bank, as well as being a source of funds for financial emergencies, i.e. overdue utilities or rent,

and disasters like house fires, etc.

Other organizations like Rural Visions may also be contacted in the event of financial

difficulties. Rural Visions refers Loughborough residents back to LCC&ERF for food bank related assistance; however, they are a great resource for many other needs people may have. We operate independently, but we work closely with them to ensure that anyone who is in need of our emergency services doesn't “slip through the cracks”.

We thank the numerous organizations and individuals in the community who provide the

only support LCC&ERF receives in order to be able to distribute more than 60 baskets at

Christmas, and emergency assistance throughout the year. With only a handful of regular volunteer members, along with extra helpers at Christmas, LCC&ERF provides recipients with about a week's worth of groceries, including all the trimmings for a traditional Christmas dinner, a gift and book for each child, gifts for teens, and additional donated items for parents to choose from to put under the Christmas tree for their little ones.

To support LCC&ERF's work, a number of fund-raisers have been planned. Ginny Trousdale will donate 10% of the proceeds from today’s sales (November 23), to our

organization. On December 2 from 10am to 4m, Christmas elves will accept donations of empties at the Sydenham Beer Store. On December 17 at 7:30pm, a Christmas Cantata will take place at the Sydenham Holiness Church with collections being donated to LCC&ERF, A mitten tree located at the Sydenham Library accepts donations of yarn and/or mittens, bats, scarves and slippers, which will be put into the Christmas baskets.

Contributions may be deposited into any of the festively decorated jars in offices and stores of Sydenham Village merchants. Alternatively, please take a moment to mail your cheque made out to LCC&ERF to P.O. Box 450 ; Sydenham , ON ; K0H 2T0 and provide your address so that a tax receipt can be mailed to you in the New Year.

To be considered for a basket, or to recommend someone else who might benefit from one, contact us by leaving a message at 613-376-3532 and Bev will return your call. Thank you for helping us to continue to make Christmas special for many of our neighbours! Merry Christmas from the Loughborough Christmas Committee.

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Feature Article - December 21

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Christmas Books

by Susan Ramsay, Early Literacy Specialist HFL&A

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Tradition! The word sings in my memory with the passion of the Jewish father from ‘Fiddler on the Roof’. It’s a powerful word – a word to embrace or rebel against; a word that often fills our lives during this festive season. Decorating, baking, shopping, cultural, community and family events can lead to holiday exhaustion. But traditions have deep roots. They reflect and teach values to our children.

Seasonal children’s books have a role to play in our traditions. When our three children were small, the pockets in our Advent Calendar were interspersed with picture clues of places in the house to hunt for new or familiar Christmas books we would read together on the days leading up to Christmas.

As our children aged we read “The House of Wooden Santas” by Kevin Major. The story, about a single mom and her son who are trying to survive financially and emotionally as Christmas approaches, is broken into 25 short chapters, perfect for reading together each night in December until Christmas Day.

Toddlers can discover the pleasure of holiday stories through board books such as “Who is Coming to Our House” by Joseph Slate. Simple, rhyming text accompanies pictures of animals in a stable that sense the coming of Mary and Joseph to their home.

“Room for a Little One” by Martin Waddell is another story told from the perspective of animals. As each animal seeks shelter from the cold winter night, Kind Ox invites them into the warmth of the stable telling them that there is always room for a little one. They are all given shelter until eventually even the little one, baby Jesus, finds warmth and comfort in the stable.

Cathy Hapka has modelled a new book on the work of Margaret and H.A.Rey to create ”Merry Christmas Curious George”. When Curious George goes shopping for a Christmas tree he climbs into the branches of a Christmas tree that is being taken to a children’s hospital. Curious George unwittingly causes problems at the hospital but he also makes some new friends.

“Olive, the Other Reindeer” by J. Otto & Walsh, is about a dog named Olive who mishears the words “All of the other reindeer” while listening to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. Olive, thinking the song is speaking directly to her, experiences a sudden identity crisis and sets off to find Santa at the North Pole. Though Olive doesn’t fly with the proficiency of Rudolph, Dancer or Prancer, her ability to chew, sniff and fetch prove to be very helpful to Santa on Christmas Eve.

“Jan Brett’s Christmas Treasury” is a beautifully illustrated collection of The Mitten, The Wild Christmas Reindeer, Trouble with Trolls, The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Hat, Christmas Tolls and The Night Before Christmas.

Seasonal books can help our children explore traditions. But they can also be used to create new ones - traditions that value and celebrate the joy of sharing books together.

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Feature Article - December 21

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Christmas Message

from Rev. Jean Brown, United Church of Canada

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The excitement of Chistmas is in full swing as Christmas lights and decorations appear to brighten the darkness; and hopes and expectations increase with each new day. Many, in this time of year, are transported back to their childhood and those magical days of cosy fires, endless presents and endless love both given and received. Many remember with fondness family gatherings before they knew the pain of divorce, disappointment, or deaths of loved ones. Many, upon hearing the Christmas music hope that it would drown out the pressures and complexities of our modern world.

The bad news is that no matter how much we decorate or spend it will not make Christmas like it was when we were children, and it will not hold back our troubles, or change the world or bring us happiness. The good news is that the infant Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas time is the One whose words, and life brings us hope, encouragement and whose birth points to our need for a Saviour, for a “God-with –us” Emmanuel and for a change in our lives.

It is in believing, learning, hoping and celebrating the religious reason for this season that Christmas really comes to life and makes sense out of the frantic feasting, shopping, eating. It is only when we grasp this idea that Christmas then becomes a time of freedom from endless feasting and of spending money we don’t have on gifts that no one needs, and Christmas comes to life as a religious celebration and as an opportunity to renew the faith or to explore it more deeply and fully.

Only the re-birth and renewal of our faith can make Christmas something that is more than a frantic time of feasting until we are sick of chocolate, or buying presents that no one really wants or needs. The Christmas lights can not soften the harshness of life and will not hold back the darkness of sorrows or mistakes. All the present wrapping in the world will not cover up our pains and sorrows, however God is willing to accompany us in our pain and offer us serenity and peace in the face of everyday living, and forgiveness that is vast and free.

And so our hope is in God, our Higher Power who is gracious, kind and willing to forgive and to accompany us in living. And so we have hope and can be happy and celebrate at Christmas time even when our finances aren’t the greatest, or our jobs aren’t too secure, or our health is failing or our loved ones have died. So, do let’s claim the real reason for Christmas and renew our faith at the many church services and events listed in our fabulous newspaper.

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Feature Article - December 21

Christmas 2006

LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb Home

Contact Us

At the end of each year the Frontenac News publishes a supplement to our final issue that is devoted to seasonal content at Christmas greetings from our advertisers. Listed below are some of those articles.

A Christmas Story - 1885

Christmas Books

A Christmas message

The Evesdropper: a tale from Lanark County

Mary Ciarot and C.Cure.ity

Lessons from a Tree

Christmas Tree Angels

Christmas without JeanSome of the Christmas drawings that were submitted this year are

A page of Christmas drawings submitted by local school children

Feature Article - December 21

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Christmas in 1885

by Elaine Clarke----------------------------------------------------------------

Harrowsmith December 22,1885

Dear Folks:

Hope this finds you as well as we are here. We're looking forward to the holidays and just now are in a great state of anticipation. We expect Rose tonight and the boys home tomorrow afternoon on the train from Sydenham. Because Christmas is on Monday this year, the boys will have their half day tomorrow and then Sunday and Monday off so we will have a special time together. The boys are each enjoying their apprenticeship and Rose her second year at the High School, She, of course, gets the full week off between Christmas and New Year’s. Tom is so excited he's being saintly. I wonder how long that will last. Being 7, the holidays seem like they'll never arrive.

Last weekend when Rose was home, the girls and Tom went to the bush and collected a sleigh full of greens and decorated both inside and outside the house. They have a wreath on the door and swags over the windows. There's an arrangement of pine, spruce, sumac, dogwood, cones and some of those bright red berries that grow on bushes along the water in an old milk pail by the door. Inside, there's a similar arrangement in a hollow birch block of wood by the fireplace. On the mantle, they arranged a number of old Christmas cards we've received over the years with pinecones interspersed. It's nice to read the messages of other times from dear friends although some from those who've passed on bring a tear to the eye. Bert and Jack, our dear hired man, found a lovely little spruce to put up in the comer of the parlour. We spent an evening popping and stringing corn to put on it. The girls and Tom save all their candy wrappers and have rewrapped acoms in them over the years and hang them from the branches. You can imagine the howling this year when they went to get the box from the attic and found the mice had discovered it and ate every last acom. So those ornaments are a little scimpy this year.

But every year Bert, bless his heart, gives me a new ornament for Christmas. He startedthat the year he proposed to me. We had had a very special day together in Kingston. Hepicked me up in the morning and took me to the train station and we caught the train tothe city on Christmas Eve. We walked around downtown and admired all the Holidaydisplays in the store windows. I remember drooling over all the Christmas ornaments onthe tree in S & R. Later, after a delicious supper in a restaurant, we walked to the harbour and he proposed. When I accepted he gave me an ornament and said he couldn't afford aring but he hoped this was the start of a large collection of ornaments. I never did figure out how he got that ornament without me knowing about it. So every year he has given me an ornament on Christmas Eve on the anniversary of his proposal. Some years he's been so apologetic because he couldn't afford a store bought one but he's carved one, woven one from rope and one year he took three cones tied them together with red ribbon and brushed them with gold paint (that he's hoarded from his single days). I treasure the homemade ones just as much because I know they were made with love. They bring back memories of the leaner years and that we made it through. We never put candles on the tree. I'm too afraid of fire. But the candlelight and firelight reflect on the candy wrappers and ornaments and give it its own soft twinkle. A few gifts have started to appear under it with much shaking and speculating from Tom. Ithink there will be more gifts under it than ever before because even Tom has something for everyone. There was much lamenting this fall about what he could get us for Christmas. (It was so nice to see him starting to think of Christmas as more than just a 'getting' time.) He is showing a real talent for drawing, so I suggested he make each of us a bookmark for our bibles with a little picture on it. We found some heavy paper at the general store and some very thin ribbon and he has been working studiously at them in the evenings.

This will be our last Christmas with Jim at home as 'one of the boys'. He is finishing his apprenticeship as a blacksmith in March and plans to marry in June. His bride to be is a sweet girl, very industrious, whom I think will make him a good wife.

She has come home with him for the occasional Sunday when he's been able to arrange a ride. He can't really afford a train ticket so tries to get a ride when he can. He has secured a position already in Verona as an assistant to the blacksmith there. As well as the regular locals needs, there is always work to be done for the railway,—repairs etc. so he will be kept busy. It's such a blessing to have the railroad so close and going both east/ west and north/south. The blacksmith has a little cottage on his land that they will be able to use for now. Although he doesn't get any wages as an apprentice, since this is his lastyear, Mr. Wilson, his master, has given him a bar of metal each month to do with as he pleases. He's able to work in the forge at his own work on his half day off. He's shown me some of the things he's made for gifts. I'm impressed. It's very fine work. He's made each of the girls a long bar, like a towel rack, for their hope chests. From it hang many hooks that they will be able to hang kitchen utensils on. His work is quite elaborate on it. He's made Tom a funny little puzzle out of metal. Peter is to receive three chisels, Bert—a new ax head and Jack a clever little vise. Imagine him making all these things for us when he'll be in need of so many things himself.Peter is enjoying his apprenticeship as a cabinet maker as well. He's shown me some of the things he's made. He's been working on mortise joints so has made the girls each a lovely box for papers or letters with even a clever little lock on each one. He has made a lovely chair for Jim's new home and a checker board for Tom so he won't be always trying to hog the game! The girls have been busy too. Jane made each of the boys and Bert a new shirt. They do go through them at their work. Rose is to get a set of tea towels from her with some huck-a-back embroidery on them (for her hope chest) and Tom is to get new mittens. She made Jack a clever scarf that buttons snuggly down so me ends don't trail in stuff when he's working.Rose has knit all the men a pair of socks and embroidered Jane some handkerchiefs. It's work she can do in the evenings while she is boarding at school. She does miss the family evenings together. Next year I hope she and Jane will have a place where they can board together and be company for each other. Then we'll be down to only one at home.I've made each of the men new trousers. Some of them have patches ontheir patches. The girls each are to have a new hood. Jack caught some rabbits last year and tanned their hides. So I've lined the hoods with fur and rolled it out around the edge so a little can be seen. I think they'll like them. They'll be nice and warm to wear outside in the winter storms and will fit right down inside their coat collars.I don't know what Jack has been up to this year. That fellow can sit right in the same room with you on an evening and you'll never catch on what he's doing. All you know is that at the end of the evening there's a pile ofwoodchips all around his chair.Last year he made the girls and me each a butter mold with a beautiful carving for the top. He is so clever with a knife. Bert is no slouch either, with a piece of wood. He's made the girls each a sweet little shelf to mount on the wall beside their bed. Their initial is carved in the base of it.He's made the boys each a new tool box and Tom is to get a new sleigh. The old one isjust worn out from all the use the others made of it. He got Jim to make runners for it at work. As well, in the children's stockings, he's got a brand new silver dollar to put in with their orange and bag of candy. We've had a very good year. He was able to sell a couple steers at a good price and the crops were plentiful. Now with the new cheese factory, there's a steady demand for milk. When I think of those first years, I'm ever so grateful for where we're at now.I know the girls will be cooking up a storm tomorrow, preparing. Bert shot two turkeys yesterday, big fellows. We'd seen the flock around quite a bit this fall and hoped they'd be still here at Christmas. We have lots of veggies from the garden, turnips, potatoes, carrots, cabbage for slaw and canned peas and corn. We'll have buns and pickles and cranberry relish. Our neighbours always go cranberry picking back north for a couple days and give us a basket to thank us for doing their chores while they're away.Of course there'll be apple, pumpkin and mincemeat pies. Aunt Denise always sends a fruit cake. She's so generous. She always sends everyone a 'store-bought' gift as well as some special treats like chocolates. We just send her things from the farm, some maple syrup, butter, walnuts, some vegetables and a ham. She seems to appreciate it and says there's nothing like home produced goods.Brother Dan and his family will be here tomorrow for the day and well as Dad and his new wife. All are doing well and have had a good year too. After the meal our good friends the Mathews will come over in the afternoon for games and songs. Their company always has to leave early to get home in time for chores. The girls look forward to their visit because they always exchange squares for quilt patches then with their girls.

At supper time, the men will divide up and do chores at the two places while the women prepare a light meal of turkey, cheese, rolls, coffee and cake. Then there'll be more games and parlour tricks until everyone has to leave. I'm going to have to keep an eye on Peter. I think he'staking notice of Amelia Mathews lately. She's turning into quite the little lady and suddenly in Peter's eyes she's not just his sister's bratty friend.

Well the night grows late and there's much to do tomorrow. Hope yourChristmas is bright and cheerful and our love and best wishes for the New Year.

The Clarkes

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Feature Article - December 21

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Lessons from a tree

by Debbie Miles

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The snow has given us a bright scenic view from our windows here in our secluded bush. The children love singing their Christmas carols. Soon it'll be time to get our tree.

Last year’s tree will not soon be forgotten. It was a prize winner tree. Enthusiastically it was placed on a round coffee table, in front of a window.

We don't have a lot of treasures in our house; our true treasures are crowded around our table. But we did have a set of antique Christmas bulbs that had been given to us years ago by my great aunt and uncle. They had meticulously taken the utmost care of their beautiful ornaments, and they were still wrapped in their original tissue and boxes. We hadn't used them while the children were small. My husband Dave suggested the children were big enough now.

Carefully every decoration was hung, along with gingerbread men, and we had a wonderful time. The children were quietly playing, and reading, when we heard "CRASH"! We all came running. There in a heap lay a very overwhelming disaster! Coloured pieces of glass and gingerbread everywhere! Poor five-year-old Joel burst into tears, somehow expressing the helplessness we all felt.

Thinking now more of him than the tree, we stopped and prayed, "Father, thank you none of the children were hurt. Thank you even in our disappointments, you are with us." Then we tried to figure out how, or where to start cleaning up. Dave lifted the tree upright. As he lifted it, more and more bulbs dropped! We had used a different tree stand, apparently not as secure as usual!

Later that day I was on my way to pick up our Christmas cards from the printer. I knew it would be one of my last times driving, as I am losing my sight. As I reflected on our initially beautiful tree, it occurred to me that in our lives there are so many beautiful dreams and goals that are just like those antique bulbs we can't replace. None of them are wrong in and of themselves, but we all have times when our world comes crashing down with no warning! There are changes, adjustments, or an ending in an area of our lives we didn't expect. All of those thoughts were rolling through my mind. Then I came to a wonderful realization: even if everything in my life falls, and breaks, as long as I stand on the Rock, instead of the sinking sand, I'll make it''.

Jesus said, "I will never leave you or forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). We have a Heavenly Father who loves us, who knows how many hairs are on our heads (Matt. 10:30). We are safe with him as our Shepherd, no matter what happens in our lives. This revelation has helped me SO much in the past year. There have been many victories, and side by side, many hardships where "bulbs have shattered"! How wonderful to focus on Christmas, and remember, Christ was born, because of LOVE!

Update: This article was written last year and it has now been two years since I have driven. My eye specialist had said not to even think about eye surgery because I am high risk. I could not see my whole kitchen table any more and daily functioning was becoming increasingly more difficult. This fall the specialist said I didn’t have much to lose and on Nov 29, the operation was performed. Never in my wildest imagination did I ever dream I would drive again. The surgery was a wonderful success and I now have 20/20 vision in one eye. My other eye is also scheduled to be operated on.

I will never forget the day the tree fell over and the wonderful lessons I learned. There really can be peace in the storms of life. I can’t wait to put my bulbs on the tree this year and SEE them.

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